Bookworm
by Matthew Scanlan, MA
N to Z
Nefontaine, Luc
La Franc-Maconnerie, une fraternite revelee
(Gallimard, 1994)
Part of a beautifully produced and charming series, this tome is by a historian of religion at the Free University of Brussels. The study takes a general look at Freemasonry in both the Anglo-Saxon and Latin world, and is richly illustrated, with some fascinating images. Unfortunately there is no English translation. Available in paperback.
Ness, J. A.
History of the Ancient Mother Lodge of Scotland - Mother Kilwinning No.0.
(4th revised edition, Glasgow, 1995)
A succint and interesting account of possibly the oldest known lodge in the world, Mother Kilwinning No.0, Grand Lodge of Scotland. Available in hard back and sold by the lodge.
Oates, Stephen B
A Woman of Valor: Clara Barton and the Civil War
(The Free Press, Macmillan, New York, 1994)
Ogilvie, E.E
Freemasons' Royal Arch Guide
(revised by H.A. Thompson)
A useful guide to the practical aspects of the Royal Arch.
Palmer Hall, Manly
An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Qabbalistic, Rosicrucian and Symbolic Philosophy
Definitely not an academic approach to study of Freemasonry, and many assertions should be treated with caution. That said, definitely a good introduction to the subject if one is looking for a fun read.
Paine, Thomas
The Theological Works of Thomas Paine
(1819)
Contains an essay on the origins of Freemasonry, which Paine believed had descended from the Druids via the Culdees or ancient celtic Christian monks of the British Isles.
This essay was originally published with The Age of Reason, but subsequent editors have seen fit to omit the work.
Perrin, Dennis
The Sacking of the Masonic Temple in Jersey by the Nazis
In 1941 (Lewis Masonic, 1993)
As many brethren know, Freemasons were not exactly the favoured friends of the Fascist regimes in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Germany. This neatly produced paperback tells the sad story of what happened to the Masonry in the Channel Islands during the second World War.
Piatigorsky Alexander
Who's Afraid of Freemasons?
(Harvill Press, London, 1997)
A phenomenological study of modern Freemasonry from the early Eighteenth century. The author is a Professor at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University. Not for the faint-hearted. Available in paperback.
Pick, F, L & Knight, G, N
The Pocket History of Freemasonry.
(Muller, 8th edn, 1991.)
An extremely useful pocket-size reference work on the history of Freemasonry, with a foreword by Harry Carr. This tome ranges from theories and evidence concerning the origins, to the craft in the modern world.
Pick, F, L & Knight, G, N
The Freemason's Pocket Reference Book
(3rd edn., Frederick Muller, London, 1983)
Like the Pocket History above, this is again an extremely valuable quick reference work on many aspects of the craft.
Preston, William
Illustrations of Masonry
(Wellingborough, 1986)
A Masonic Classic first released in 1772, re-released with an introduction by Colin Dyer.
Prestonian Lectures
The Collected Prestonian Lectures.
Vol., 1. 1925 - 1960 (ed), H. Carr,
(Lewis Masonic, 1984)
Vol., 2. 1961 - 1974 (ed), C. N. Batham,
Vol., 3. 1975 - 1987 (ed), Rev. N. B. Cryer,
Vol., 4. 1988 - 1996.
Available in hardback.
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Ridley, Jasper
Freemasons
(Constable, 1999)
A popular overview of Freemasonry's involvement in major historical events, such as the American, French and South American Revolutions. It ends with a look at Freemasonry in the world today. A fair introduction to Masonic history, and despite some errors, it makes a good introductory tome to Masonic history. (now in paperback)
Roberts, Allen
House Undivided, the story of Freemasonry and the Civil War
(Missouri Lodge of Research, 1961, reprinted again in 1964 and '76, by Macoy Pub. & Masonic Supply Co, Richmond, Virginia)
A detailed historical investigation of the American Civil War. During the bloody years of this conflict and its aftermath, Freemasonry's membership quadrupled from 200,000 members to 800,000. This perhaps stands as a testimony to the noble ideals of the brotherhood, highlighted all the more by the savagery of war.
Roberts, J, M
Mythology of the Secret Societies
(Secker & Warburg, 1972)
This is an extremely important milestone in the academic study of Freemasonry in the English speaking world. The author is a noted retired Oxford Professor, who was one-time editor of the English Historial Review and Warden of Merton College Oxford. He is the author of numerous books and papers and has presented a number of programmes for television. This work places Freemasonry in a wider social and political context. Sadly it is out of print, but second-hand copies can be found.
Robison, John
Proofs of a Conspiracy
(1797)
This is a classic Masonic Conspiracy work, written by Professor John Robison in the 1790s, alleging the uncovery of a Masonic plot behind the French Revolution. Will interest the more avid historian. Available in paperback.
Rosslyn, Earl of
Rosslyn Chapel
(Rosslyn Chapel Trust, 1997)
Amid all the hype of many recent, wild and speculative books on this enigmatic chapel, this well written and colourfully produced official guide to Rosslyn Chapel is by far the best read on the subject, with not a spaceship in sight! Available in paperback.
Sadler, Henry
Masonic Facts and Fictions
(Aquarian Press, Wellingborough, 1985)
With an introduction by John Hamill, former Librarian and Curator of the United Grand Lodge of England, now Director of Communications.
Sadler, Henry
Masonic Reprints and Revelations, including original notes and additions
(1898)
An informative account of early English and Irish Masonry.
Sandbach,
Priest and Freemason
(Lewis Masonic)
The Life of the Masonic researcher and priest George Oliver.
Scottish Rite Museum
Bespangled, Painted & Embroidered, Decorated Masonic Aprons in America 1790 - 1850
(Museum of Our National Heritage, Lexington, Mass., 1981)
Catalogue of the Exhibition, with colour and black and white pictures of Masonic Aprons, with explanations of each. Recommended for those interested in Masonic symbolism and regalia.
Smyth, Frederick
Brethren in Chivalry
(Shepperton, 1991)
A sound general history of the Masonic Orders of Chivalry, including the Knights Templar, Knights of Malta, and Knights Templar Priests. Available in hardback.
Smyth, Frederick
Freemasons' Reference Book
(Lewis Masonic, 2000)
A helpful and easy to read reference book for Freemasons.
Stevenson, David
The Origins of Freemasonry, Scotland's Century, 1590 - 1710
(Cambridge University Press, 1988)
A scholarly work which examines the various masonic craft organisations in Scotland during the seventeenth century. The author, now Emeritus Professor from the University of St. Andrews, argues that Freemasonry emerged in Scotland after the re-organisation of the mason craft there in 1599.
Available in paperback.
Stevenson, David
The First Freemasons, Scotland's early lodges and their members
(University of Aberdeen Press, 1988)
A complimentary study to The Origins of Freemasonry. This tome is devoted to the early Scottish Masonic lodges and their membership, according to their geographical location. A very good study. Second-hand copies can be found.
Tydeman, Canon Richard
From the Canon's Mouth - A collection of prose, verse and doggerel
(QCCC Ltd)
Some interesting musings from a figure well-known to English Freemasons.
Vaughan, William Preston
The Antimasonic Party in the United States, 1826 - 1843
(University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 1983)
Villard de Honnecourt
Revista Villard de Honnecourt
Transactions of the French research lodge.
41 volumes to date.
www.detrad.com/detrad/LibrairieFMVillard_de_Honnecourt.html
Webb, John
Rudyard Kipling - Man, Poet, Mason
(Lewis Masonic)
The story of this famous and enthusiastic mason is told beautifully by the author in this neat little booklet.
Webb, John
Horatio Admiral Lord Nelson - Was he a Freemason?
(Lewis Masonic)
John Webb investigates to see if Britain's famous war hero was ever a Mason.
Weir, John
Robert Burns, the Freemason
(Lewis Masonic, 1996)
Commemorating the bicentenary of the death of one of Scotland's favourite sons and National Bard. John Weir's presentation is a welcome addition to the many works already available on this popular wordsmith.
Weisberger, R. William
Speculative Freemasonry and the Enlightenment, a study of the craft in London, Paris, Prague and Vienna
(Columbia University Press, New York, 1993)
Dr. Weisberger begins with an introductory look at the Enlightenment in different parts of Europe, before investigating speculative Freemasonry in early Hanoverian Britain, Paris, Prague and Vienna. A study worth reading for those interested in a crucial period of European cultural development. Available in hardback.
Weisberger, R. William (ed)
Essays concerning European and American Freemasonry
Prof. Wallace McLeod (ed) (Columbia University Press, 2001)
Dr. Brent Morris (ed) Forthcoming!
Wells, Roy A
Some Royal Arch Terms Examined
(Lewis Masonic, 1978)
A though provoking short study of the terms used in both the craft and Royal Arch degrees looking at their respective etymologies and Biblical background. Available in hardback.
Wells, Roy A
Royal Arch Matters
(Lewis Masonic, 1984)
A short and succint study of the Royal Arch as a completion of the Master's degree. Available in paperback.
Wells, Roy A
Understanding Freemasonry
(Lewis Masonic)
This tome comprises a collection of papers on a wide range of topics from the noted Masonic researcher.
Wharton, Duke of
Logia de Estudios e Investigationes, Duque de Wharton
(Duke of Wharton Research Lodge, No.18, Spain)
Vols., 1, 1996 - 97; 2, 1998 - 1999. Vol.3 Forthcoming!
In Spanish.
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