                 Southern California Research Lodge F&AM

                      Basic Books about Freemasonry
                            by Paul M. Bessel

     From The Voice of Freemasonry, District of Columbia, Fall 1998

Many Masons are interested in reading and learning more about
Freemasonry, but do not know where to start. It may be useful to have
some brief summaries of "basic" books about Freemasonry, all of which
are available at the Library of the DC Grand Lodge, the Library of the
George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the Library of the
Scottish Rite Supreme Council. (All of these books are available from
Southern California Research Lodge, PO Box 939, Ashland OR 97520 at
prices listed in the text. For shipping add $2.00 for first book, 750
each additional, foreign $3.00 first book, $1.25 each additional.)

The Builders: A Story and Study of Freemasonry, by Joseph Fort Newton
($15.60) in 1914, is said to be the #1 best-seller on Freemasonry in
history. Newton was a clergyman who became interested in Freemasonry
as a result of a Yankee Brother helping his father, a Confederate
Brother, during the Civil War. Newton talks about the prophecy,
history, and interpretation of Freemasonry, covering almost every
aspect of Masonic degrees and organizations in clear and almost poetic
language. He sees Freemasonry as being not only a way for each man to
better himself but for all of society to learn how to live together in
harmony. It is a world-view, almost political, of Freemasonry,
including such famous sayings as: "When is a man a Mason? When he can
look out over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a
profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and
yet have faith, hope and courage - which is the root of every virtue.
When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile,
as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself and seeks to know,
and to love his fellow-man ..........

The Great Teachings of Masonry, by H.L. Haywood ($10.36) in 1923,
presents a very interesting view of Freemasonry in the context of many
aspects of life. For example, Haywood goes into great detail about
what is meant by the concept of "Meeting upon the level." Every man
has equal rights, and in Freemasonry we are obliged to "devote
ourselves to the task of making equality everywhere a fact." Haywood
also describes Freemasonry as a "champion of liberty," and describes
exactly what this means and why it is so important to Masons and
others. Masonry and democracy, the brotherhood of man, Masonry's
attitude toward religion, and Masonry as a worldwide fraternity are
all extremely important concepts, and Haywood describes each one
clearly and understandably. He also teaches the reader what others
have said about Freemasonry, thus giving a good introduction to
differing schools of thought about Masonic philosophy and goals. This
is one of the best introductory books to read about Freemasonry.

What Masonry Means by William E. Hammond ($6.80) in 1939, described as
a "small volume" that makes "no pretence of scholarship." He said
years of attending lodges had not given most Masons a clear idea of
what Masonry was really about, so he attempted to help. In language
that is easy to understand, and yet elegant, he describes his view of
Masonry as a means to improve each man, and by improving men one at a
time, also improving society. Those looking for a practical,
individually- oriented idea of Freemasonry, will probably enjoy this
book. In Freemasonry: Its Hidden Meaning, published in 1948, George
H. Steinmetz ($10.00) presents a mystical view of Freemasonry.
Mysticism appeals to some people, but is a complete bore to others.
Steinmetz goes through each of the degrees, explaining his view of
their lessons as a continuation of the "ancient mysteries," and a way
to find greater spirituality in our lives. Steinmetz uses capitalized
words and exclamation points frequently to make his points. If you
appreciate those who speak of physical, mental, and spiritual aspects
of the three degrees, you will enjoy this book.

Some people enjoy learning in short step s,  and for them Facts for
Freemasons: In Question and Answer Form, compiled by Harold V.B.
Voorhis in 1951, ($7.60) is the book for which you might be looking.
It contains hundreds of short questions and answers about everything
you might want to know about Freemasonry. What is Speculative Masonry?
Do Lodges in the U.S. open the Bible at the same passages? What was
the 'Morgan Affair?" What is the symbolism of the 3, 5, and 7 steps?
How did we come to have two Scottish Rite Supreme Councils in the
U.S.? These and countless other questions are answered in this book by
Voorhis.

Allen E. Roberts wrote so many books on Freemasonry, all geared toward
the average person, that it is difficult to select just one or two to
mention. Most Masons would undoubtedly be interested in Freemasonry in
American History, ($15.60) written in 1985, which is the only book I
know that presents a complete history of the United States in a.
relatively brief book using language that is easy to understand,
highlighting which famous Americans were Freemasons and how the
history of Masonry has been tied together with the history of our
country. Roberts also wrote The Craft and Its Symbols ($6.60) in 1974,
giving one Mason's opinion on the meaning and significance of every
action and object with which we are presented as we go through our
degrees. This book is terrific for newly initiated Masons, and every
lodge can obtain a free (!!!) copy of this book for every
newly-initiated EA in your lodge, just by having your lodge or any
member of it as a member of the Southern California Research Lodge.
The cover is even designed to look like a Masonic apron.

Allen E. Roberts also wrote Masonic Trivia and Facts, ($18.95)
published in 1994. This is similar to Voorhis' Facts for Freemasons,
but updated and presented in a chronological fashion. Roberts asks and
answers such questions as "Did the 1842 meeting in the District of
Columbia have any influence on Freemasonry! - 'it certainly did!"
Suggestions made there were soon adopted throughout the U. S.,
including such things as the representative system among Grand Lodges,
Masons carrying identification to prevent imposters from attending
lodges, and business being conducted in the 3 rd rather than the I st
degree. Allen Roberts also provides the answers to many questions
about Freemasonry in recent times, including recognition of Prince
Hall Masonry, growing use of computers in Freemasonry, modern
antimasonry, and whether Freemasonry is a "secret society." Without
any question, Masons looking for good, easy books about Freemasonry
can do no better than starting with Masonic books by Allen E. Roberts.

Remember, each of us only truly benefits from Freemasonry by learning
more about what it is. We learn from our lodge meetings and Grand
Lodge activities. In addition, it is almost essential for each Mason
to do just a little reading about Freemasonry if we are to understand
what this Craft is all about. Any one of the books described in this
article can be a good start, and all are available for reading in the
Masonic libraries in our area.
