Recommended Reading List for 2000
The following books are recommend to expand your knowledge of the history, purpose and relevance of Freemasonry. They are all available through Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc. as well as many on-line distributors.
Born in Blood - The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry by John J. Robinson.
Commentary: This contemporary book, more than any other, broke the mold of traditional thinking about Masonry's history being directly descended from medieval stonemasons guilds. Through interesting research and revelations Robertson asserts that Freemasonry's origins are with the Knights Templar. Even if you disagree with the theory, this easily read book opens up your mind to why an organization of Freemasonry was developed, and why it is still relevant to this day.
The Temple and the Lodge by Michael Biagent and Richard Leigh.
Commentary: Like Born in Blood, this contemporary book traces Masonic origins to the Templars, but by a different path - a well documented tracing of the Templars through Scotland and how that resurfaced as Freemasonry a couple centuries later. The book concludes with a well documented account of Freemasonry and American independence. If Born in Blood did not stir your fascination with the origins of the craft, then The Temple and the Lodge will.
A Pilgram's Path - Freemasonry and the Religious Right by John J. Robinson.
Commentary: By the same author as Born in Blood, Robinson takes on those who attack Freemasonry, (particularly the religious right) and in a very objective way arms the reader with the facts that every Freemason should know to reaffirm and defend the tenets of our fraternity. If you seek to understand the relevance and pride that present-day Masons have for the fraternity, then this is a must read.
Freemasonry - A Celebration of the Craft by John Hamill and Robert Gilbert.
Commentary: This beautiful, richly illustrated book provides chapters on the origins of Freemasonry, the history of the Craft, an introduction to our ideas of wisdom, strength, and beauty, and a gallery of 275 famous Masons. It is a joy to climb into this book, not only for its wonderful, yet easy to comprehended text, but also for the visual extravaganza of photos, paintings and graphics that are so important in telling the story of Freemasonry. It will look great on your coffee table
Freemasonry in American History by Allen E. Roberts.
Commentary: First published in 1985, this book is an excellent synopsis of American history and the parts played in it by various Masons from colonial times through the early 1980's. Good survey, lots of information on famous Masons. Easy read, but not any great depth to the work.
Thanks to the Ed Committee from the GL of Nebraska for their commentary.