Book Description
Lively...illuminating. A refreshing example of scholarly detective work.--Kirkus Reviews
Customer Reviews:
Following a trail.......2007-06-27
Scholars doing research on a subject often uncover information the leads to a different path. Most scholars will ignore that information to finish the work they started, but other scholars follow that path to see where it leads. Thus it was for John Robinson, the author of "Born In Blood".
Mr. Robinson doing research about the Peasants' Revolt in England in 1381 uncovered information about the Knights Templar and subsequently their connection with the Freemasons.
Mr. Robinson, who is not a Freemason, took the information he gathered and presented it in a well written book. The facts uncovered and the conclusions reached will get both Masons and non-masons to look at the world's oldest and largest fraternity in a new, more positive, light.
GREAT.......2007-04-10
I am pleased to read another book that is not set to trash history makers but instead to make some sense out of the ignorance of many for the benefit of a true free society.
A Fascinating Read, But............2007-03-18
I have read and re-read this work a couple of times. Robinson writes a fascinating account of the Knights Templar and what may have happened to them after the Order was suppressed. As has been noted in most of the previous reviews, the author writes a good story. My gripe with it, and I say this both as a Master Mason and also as one who majored in History and minored in Bio Sciences in college, where are the footnotes? The references, the research notes to back up his statements? Without this supporting evidence that can be checked by other researchers, the work borders on being largely just speculation. I realize that much of the history of Freemasonry was never written down, and thus opens it up to a lot of speculation about its possible origins. A more recent work, The Secret History of Freemasonry, may actually be closer to the truth of the matter in that the Templars were patrons and financial backers of much of the great cathedrals and fortifications built during the two hundred years of their existence. And thus they would have had extensive connections to the operative masons who built these structures, and some of the refugee knights might have sought refuge within the stone mason guilds. Paul Naudon, the author of this work, backs up his work with numerous references -- something that unfortunately Robinson, now deceased, failed to do. So enjoy Born in Blood, but take it with a grain of salt.
A most plausible view of history.......2007-02-11
Maosn's, of which I am one, have an enigmatic past. In 1717 the United Grand Lodges of England (UGLE) suddenly appeared. Yet Masonic Lodges had existed for a long time. Why go so public that year?
John Robbinson set out to answer a simple question. How could the English Peasant's Revolt of 1318 been so well coordinated and executed in an era parish laws, illiteracy, and servitude? It took him, quite by chance from that revolt to Freemasonry. This book is well researched and well thought out. What he does, and what I find most fascinating, is to use the language of the Knights Templar- French, to support his thesis. Certain words recording in the reports of the uprising are generally ignored because when thought of as English, had no meaning.
His conclusion is fascinating and in a much better class historical writing than Holy Blood Holy Grail. A good read. It could serve as outline for a great epic movie.
While I do not subsribe to the Templar - Masonic School of origins, I do believe that he is correct on the Templar-Peasant Revolt connection.
(I prefer the enlightment - civil society school of thought: see books by Margaret Jacobs Ph.D) .
Born in Blood by John Robinson.......2007-01-03
Well written history and content of Free Masonry. Some of it is speculatve because the world simply doesn't know the early history of the Masons.
Book Description
What secrets connect Egypt's Great Pyramids, the Freemasons, and the Council on Foreign Relations? In this astonishing book, celebrated journalist Jim Marrs examines the world's most closely guarded secrets, tracing the history of clandestine societies and the power they have wielded – from the ancient mysteries to modern–day conspiracy theories.
Searching for truth, he uncovers disturbing evidence that the real movers and shakers of the world collude covertly to start and stop wars, manipulate stock markets, maintain class distinctions, and even censor the news. Provocative and utterly compelling, Rule by Secrecy offers a singular worldview that may explain who we are, where we came from, and where we are going.
Customer Reviews:
It makes you think.......2007-07-04
I do not know if everything what Jim Marrs put in this book is as he says. I think there is a wide percentage of speculation and it would have been better if every author quoted could be referred to a specific book. That kind of information is not included.
Nevertheless, it is a book that gives us a hint of what could be happening around us everyday, of what we are not aware or we didn't even notice.
Summing up, it is a very different view of the world that couldn't be put aside, because maybe, it is the vision of the real world where we live.
Informative.......2007-06-20
Okay, the alien stuff is paranoid and silly. The stuff on bankers and the UN, CFR, Trilateral commision is pretty much documented and anyone can look up. Fascinating read. And about 85% is documented and provable.
All roads lead back to Sumer.......2007-06-06
After I decided to learn the truth about who really runs the world and what not, I picked up this book since it seemed to tie together all the things I was wondering about, going back to the ancient mysteries. Jim Marrs really does an amazing job of compiling all this information and tracing it back through history to the Sumerian texts about the Anunnaki. If you are at all interested in shattering the false view of reality our society is conditioned to accept, then take the red pill, and read this book.
Rule by Secrecy.......2007-05-31
Marrs gets through a little over half of this book doing a great job of exposing the new world order, reminding me of a newer up to date version of None Dare Call it Conspiracy by Gary Allen. He exposes the CFR, Trilateral Commision, Bilderbergers, the Federal Reserve, and that all roads lead to oligarchal business and banking families like the Rothschilds and Rockefellers. Marrs also shows the role that was played by these people in fomenting, funding and profiting from both sides of almost all major wars going back to the days of Napoleon. He does drop the ball when he briefly discusses "Nazi Occultism" and uses idiots like Trevor Ravenscroft and Peter Lavenda as sources.
From there he shows the role played by Masonic secret socieities in the French revolution, what is known about the Bavarian Illuminati and a few other secret societies. After that he goes into Knights Templar/Merovingian Bloodline/Priory of Scion territory, which while that stuff is interesting and should be studied, its all just conjecture. Actually those topics have became a whole genre onto themselves in recent years. Besides that I've always thought that Priory of Scion lists that the authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail got ahold of were either an out and out hoax perpetrated by the authors of Holy Blood Holy Grail, or put out as intentional disinformation by somebody trying to mislead them and the public.
After the Merovingian stuff Marrs gets way out there by going into Sitchen/Von Daniken territory. Here is where Marrs really loses me. Maybe I missed something but is he claiming that this is the hidden knowledge that the secret societies of the world elites hold? That the true origins of the human race are that we are hybridized creations of aliens from another planet?! Hey I'm not an atheist and I believe in a lot of stuff that the average person would consider pretty far out but this is just a bit much even for me. I'm familar with Marrs work and he's a very well researched, down to earth guy normally so it really surprised me that he included this in Rule by Secrecy. Especially considering I've heard him on radio shows several times making fun of David Ickes wacky reptilian theories.
But that aside I'd still recomend reading this book, if not buying it if you can get it for cheap because whats good in this is great. Just take a few things, especially the last chapter, with a few thousand grains of salt.
Mythic religious fiction.......2007-05-31
"Rule by Secrecy: The Hidden History That Connects the Trilateral Commission, the Freemasons, and the Great Pyramids" is a clumsy yet informative and entertaining collection of cross-cited references concerning Masonic history, Rosicrucianism, and Egyptology with geo-politics, & lastly aristocratic geneologies. The majority of citations stem from David Icke, a controversial and notable conspiracy theorist whom correlates geo-politics with ambiguous research and disreputable claims against Freemasonry. I myself find it fascinating how such authors fail to give credit to the propensity of the human species to greatness. All cultural and religious achievements {a frequent target of this behaviour are the Sphinx and Great Pyramids} are viewed by conspiracy theorists as centres of diabolic plots to enslave the lesser classes.
Inheritors of a Dying World have within our dominion the creative execution of the revolutionary Laws of Imperial Liberty to overcome our dire desolation and ruin in this emerging historical paradigm. Initiated Oracles journeying on the Path of Forgotten Knowledge know a Great Ordeal of purification and consecration overshadows history; and that the profane masses would become slavishly appalled by this Initiation of the World. Out of the fires of purification and consecration, a New Order would then arise, promulgating the revolutionary precepts of the Libertine, the privileged, the patriciate.
The Patriciate, the secret few, the sanctity of Elitism heralds a New World Order of self-government, self-legislation, and s-elf-discipline. Inscribe this into your Undying and Secret Souls with the sacramental blood split upon the holy lands, O' kindred of the earth: patriciate is the progeny of a republic. Democracy is a vice to Imperial Liberty - the Grace of Destiny is of the elect. Dominance and submission hearken a new dichotomy in human society; there is a master, there is a slave.
This is what the author, and many conspiracy theorists fail to understand. The geo-political and cultural status quo simply cannot be maintained in the global age. Paradigms of elitism and imperial Liberty were modified by the religious institutions of the native countries to whom they were introduced. Applications of Law to every Woman and Man according to condition are fundamental. "...A democracy is impracticable beyond the Limits of municipality." {Thomas Jefferson to Isaac H. Tiffany, 1816}. Independence of the Will of a democratic society is a solecism in the privileged Patriciate. It is the elite and elect right of a society to change political principles and constitutions at Will to serve the greater good. The goal of the Elite, of the Patriciate is to convoke theoretical politics and government to the forefront of society, be it against the Will of the low men or not. Governments and religious institutions, it is true, have failed to mark the subtle evolution and dire tribulation of the initiation of the world, which is taking place under their vigilant eyes.
Similar to the bestseller Da Vinci Code, which this title predates, the book tries to incite paranoia and sensationalism by merging fiction with religion and mysticism. There is history and there is conjecture. Moreover, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and Egyptology, do not feature prominently in this book. The predictable conclusion outlines a vast history-shattering conspiracy that reveals extraterrestrial involvement and their human breeding, with Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism and the Illuminati Heritage.
Secret societies have existed since Mankind first began to record its myths and religions. For thousands of years societies have existed safeguarding secret religious teachings transmitted through the generations. Monuments, Apocrypha, ordained occult knowledge, catacombs, forgotten ciphers, and secret sacrifices all have been kept guarded by the heritage of the Illuminati.
The book does provide stimulation for further research in the style of others in its genre {"Holy Blood, Holy Grail"; "Temple and the Lodge"; "Codex Magica"; and of course the "Da Vinci Code"} but falls short of any serious research into the Illuminati Heritage
~ Joshua Seraphim,
author of Babylon: Secret Rituals of Illuminati
"The few who understand the system, will either be so interested from it's profits or so dependant on it's favors, that there will be no opposition from that class."
-Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1863)
"The great strength of our Order lies in its concealment, let it never appear, in any place in its own name, but always covered by another name, and another occupation."
-Father Adam Weishaupt
{1748-1811 A.D.}
Book Description
At last, a plain-English guide to Freemasonry-the secret society that's reportedly at the center of Dan Brown's forthcoming novel The Solomon Key
With Freemasonry featured prominently in The Da Vinci Code as well as the hit movie National Treasure, it's no wonder that more and more people are curious about this ancient organization, and interest is sure to intensify when Dan Brown's new blockbuster appears. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites to the veiled symbols and their meanings. The book profiles famous Freemasons throughout history including many of America's Founding Fathers as well as prominent politicians and business leaders offers a balanced assessment of the many controversies and conspiracy theories that continue to swirl around Freemasonry. For anyone who wants an evenhanded overview of Freemasonry's past, present, and future, this guide is the key.
Christopher Hodapp (Indianapolis, IN) is a Mason who has traveled extensively reporting on Masonic practices in Great Britain, France, and elsewhere. He is currently a Past Master and a Master of his lodge. Hodapp edits the lodge newsletter and has written for the Grand Lodge magazine, the Indiana Freemason.
Customer Reviews:
An Exciting Delve Into Freemasonry.......2007-08-23
This book, which is the first one of three written by different authors and publishers in a similar style over the past couple of years, is a must read for anyone contemplating joining the Craft, so that he might ask intelligent questions of the Brothers he knows and who he will meet. It is wide-ranging in its scope and comprehensive in its coverage.
Great book .......2007-08-16
This book was great it gave a wonderful overview of freemasonry. I read this book before I was initiated. it is very well writen to the point and easy to understand. I recommened this book to anyone that is interested in joining the fraternity or if you are just interested in what it is about. For you Masons out there I have used this book for my friends and family that have asked me about Freemasonry. I gave it to a friend of mine who read it and after reading it has asked if he can join.
The Facts, and nothing but the facts..........2007-08-11
This is a great overview of the history of the Masons and all fraternal organizations and a good overview of the craft. I recommend it to all Masons and Mason-Wannabe's. A good read and great info!
Great resource for the aspiring mason.......2007-06-29
This book has been a great resource for me while learning about the history and structure of the Freemasons. About 4 months ago I finally took the step and petitioned my local lodge. Since then, I have undergone a background check, meet and greet, recommendation process, investigation by a 3 person committee and a ballot in open lodge at which point I was accepted into the fraternity. Since my lodge has "gone dark" for the next 2 months and I am awaiting my Entered Apprentice Degree, I wanted to take the time to study the history and trappings of the Craft WITHOUT ruining the surprise of the rituals. The Author took great care not to expose any Masonic secrets which meant that this was exactly what the Doctor ordered.
I have also purchased The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry (Complete Idiot's Guide to) and have found that to be an equally compelling read. You can't go wrong with either of these as far as I'm concerned.
An easily accessible text about the organization........2007-06-21
If you are interested in the Freemasons and are willing to accept that they are not to blame for everything from the great flood to 9/11 then you will find this an interesting look at the organization. Sometimes the truth is even stranger then the rumors and this will be the case as you explore there traditions and rituals of the group.
Book Description
Mysteries revealed … truths uncovered … and myths dispelled.
What is the truth about the Masons suggested in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code? Can Freemasonry really be dated back as far as Babylon? Did they really coordinate the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution? What really goes on at a Mason lodge during an initiation? Here is the real story behind the secret society that now boasts nearly five million members (and has included such illustrious fellows as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin), as revealed by a Master Mason.
• Offers a highly illustrated field guide to Masonic jewelry and symbols
• Includes further reading, a glossary, a list of famous Freemasons and information on Freemasonry in popular culture
• Morris is a Master Mason
Customer Reviews:
Nicely written, accurate and informative..........2007-05-30
Although I haven't read the entire book yet, I will say that a brief overview of its contents from the Table of Contents and a brief review of each chapter is enough to know that this book is well-written, researched and best of all, highly accurate historically speaking in things relating to the Order of the Freemasons.
A true expert's incisive viewpoint.......2007-05-30
I'm acquainted with the author and know first-hand what an astonishing wealth of information is in his head -- not to mention the information to which he has access through his connections within the fraternity. In this book, you are getting, admittedly, an overview -- the tip of the iceberg -- but the book also provides generous glimpses at the large amount of the iceberg that exists beneath the surface. As a non-Mason, I gained great insight into the workings and background of the Masonic fraternity as well as its role in history. Now that I'm acquainted with many other Masonic works, I can't imagine a better introduction.
Another Solid Defense & Exploration.......2007-05-13
This book (don't let the IDIOT series fool you) was a very interesting offering by S. Brent Morris. Morris is the co-writer of another, well-written book, Is It True What they Say About Freemasonry. He delivers the same clear and consise approach to this book. I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in knowing AND understanding the world of Freemasonry (minus the conspiracy theory-tinged hyperbole that floats around the internet as fact).
Tarikh Bandele'
Excellent quality. Excellent illustrations and explanations.......2007-04-10
When my friends ask me about Freemasonry, I immediately recommend this book. It contains a great amount of information in a simple to understand form. It really goes into many details of the Craft, and is a great asset to Masons and Non-Masons alike.
the best of the two.......2007-02-10
I believe that the book Idiots GUIDE TO FREEMASONRY is better than the book Freemasonry for Dummies. It's better illistrations and its explaination on the subject of Freemasonry is excellent. The reader will completely understand the subject matter. I would recomend this book to every man that becomes a Freemason to read, even to the man that wanted to know more about the Fraternity, and excellant read.
Book Description
Solomon’s Builders transports the reader back to the birth of a radical new nation and tells how a secretive society influenced and inspired the formation of what would become the most powerful nation on earth.
A history that reads like a thriller, it follows George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and the other Founding Fathers who transformed the lessons of their Masonic lodge rooms into models for a new democracy. In the process, it pieces together the still-visible clues of the Freemasons as it uncovers the mystical Masonic symbolism hidden in the design of the city and in its monuments, statues and buildings.
From “all-seeing eyes,” pentagrams, and Egyptian-inspired obelisks to the imposing and mysterious Masonic temples of the "Widow's Sons," Solomon’s Builders guides readers on a Freemason’s tour of Washington, D.C. as it separates fact from myth and reveals the background of the sequel to The Da Vinci Code.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!!.......2007-09-10
This is by the same author that wrote Freemasonry For Dummies. Both books are very informative and enjoyable to read if you interested in freemasony or just history of the United States
Solomon's Builders: An accurate origin of the founding of America.......2007-07-13
I am an active Freemason for more than 4 decades. Bro. Hodapp's work is the first well written account of the philosophical thinking that led to the formation of a common man's democracy. This is the reference book that teachers need to read and public schools use in their American History classes. There are countless books written by non-masons on the origin of America but non give credit to the Freemasons for their ideas such as freedom, public schools, constitutions, bill of rights, and government by vote of those who owned land.
Karl Grube, Ph.D., President - Bonisteel Masonic Library - Ann Arbor
Another Good One from Hodapp.......2007-07-04
I loved Freemasons for Dummies and was equally impressed with Solomon's Builders as well. Very informative, and well sourced. Highly recommend both of his books.
Tony
It's hard to neatly peg this guide.......2007-06-09
SOLOMON'S BUILDERS: FREEMASONS, FOUNDING FATHERS AND THE SECRETS OF WASHINGTON, D.C. deserves repeated and ongoing mention as an excellent survey of Freemason influences on United States history. It's hard to neatly peg this guide: it could go under new age or American history as neatly as in spirituality sections - so any library covering any of these topics needs SOLOMON'S BUILDERS, which presents a Freemason's tour of Washington D.C. and charts Masonic influence during the construction of America, from national monuments and symbolism in city streets to temples and keys to religious insights.
Deserves a prominent place in every Freemasons bookshelf.......2007-04-09
Without question this book is sure to become a classic for Freemasons or those interested in Freemasonry. Incredibly well written based on extensive research and with a detailed bibliography to support the thesis. RWB Hodapp unfolds a tale that spans centuries of politics and characters in a smooth narrative that keeps the reader turning each page anxious to find out 'what happened next'.
Solomon's Builders covers the history and influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States and links the institution firmly within the enlightenment ideals that were spreading like wildfire around the globe; largely spread through Masonic lodges dispensing their own form of democracy and equality in every land.
This book is being marketed in hopes of taking advantage of the hype that will likely surround Dan Brown's next book 'Solomon's Key'. I can only encourage every person who reads Browns next work of fiction to turn to RWB Hodapp's well documented non-fiction presentation of the real story behind the myth.
Book Description
One of the most magnificent books... putting it down is almost impossible. --Ocala Star-Banner
Customer Reviews:
WELL WRITEN WELL DONE. VERY INFORMATIVE.......2006-07-22
I enjoyed every page of this one. Not being an expert in this field, I certainly cannot vouch for each and every fact the author has given us, but the several facts I did take the time to further research proved the athor correct. The book is well written and in fact is quite a page turner. This is one of those I hated to stop reading and was rather sorry when I had finished it. It is important to understand this past era in order to understand where we are today. The consequences of the actions taken at that time are still being felt even to this day. Highly recommend this one.
Very Impressive.......2006-06-04
I am extremely impressed by the way Robinson conveyed the history of those tumultuous times in such a captivating manner. This work is rich in facts: both large and small, and all interesting. Aside from Templar history, I really appreciated Robinson's ability to clearly explain the major and minor players and the political machinery and machinations of all sides involved (Muslim factions, Hospitallers, Vanetians, the Popes, etc etc). Reading this work is a real learning experience, and Robinson's great writing is far from dry. After reading this book I will surely continue to read Robinson's other works.
Phenomenal - This is a must read .......2006-05-24
Where to start? This is a fantastic piece of work that takes you through the rise and fall of Templars. I would rate it better than Da-vinci code because this is no fiction. It is remarkable that a non-fiction work packs so much action and thrills. This is also the best account of Crusades that I have ever read. In addition, the author also touches upon the personal codes that governed the life of Templars (like the chastity belt, rules against bathing etc). All in all, I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested about Crusades or Templars
Good book, but there are better ones out there.......2006-03-05
John Robinson does a very good job in complining information about the Templar and presenting it in an interesting and readable fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about the Templar (and Robinson does include many details not found in the other Templar books I have read, contrary to those reviewers who claim it is all old material).
What I liked best about this book was its emphasis on context. Robinson does not just give an account of the Templar's doings; he provides an account of all the things which are happening around the Templars as well, which is essential for understanding the Templar.
I also liked Robinson's clear writing style. Some history book get you bogged down with dates and names, but Robinson does an excellent job of tying them together and helping you remember them so that events further into the book will make much more sense.
There are also two complaints I have about this book:
1. There are a number of small, careless mistakes which really should not have been there (i.e. slightly misquoting people, slightly incorrect dates, etc.) and which are rather annoying. As far as I can tell, none of his information is majorly wrong; he just does things like writing that events happened several weeks after another event when it was actually many months, so I guess it's not really a big deal.
2. He seemed rather biased against the Catholic Church. I myself am not Catholic, but even I do not think some of the things that they did were quite as bad as Robinson makes them out to be. For example, his comments to the effect that the charges of homosexuality against the Knights were very probably true because they had vows of chastity are simply underestimating the effect of religion upon people's lives and are just plain stupid. If the Templars couldn't take being chaste anymore, it is not very likely that they would choose to become homosexuals violating the ordinances of the Church rather than simply violating the laws of the Templar.
In conclusion, this was a very good book, but I think that there are better books on the subject out there. I would recommend Stephen Howarth's The Knights Templar. His book is slightly shorter (and thus has a little less detail), but it is also more accurate and is much more fun to read.
Overall grade: B+
Knights Templar 201 .......2005-04-28
Several readers have trashed this book, one saying 'Same old song in a new cover'. That reviewer then goes on to recommend two books written 10 years later.. That's probably why he thought that this was 'old'. While I can't compare this book to anything by Runciman or Tuchman, I will say that this is a pretty good book.
Before you buy this book, please pay attention to the title.. It is called 'Dungeon, Fire, & Sword The Knights Templar IN THE CRUSADES' In order to understand the impact of the KT in the crusades you have to understand the crusades themselves, and in order to understand the crusades, you need to understand the 'players', culture geography etc... The Crusades didn't revolve around the KT, they only played a part, albeit an integral one, in the crusades.
Yes this book is more than just the KT, and no it's not an in depth history of each of the crusades, but it's not supposed to be.. The reader should use this book as a building block about the KT, the crusades and even the Papal State.
What is interesting is that the more one reads about the KT the more you realize that there really is a lot of uncertainty and disagreement surrounding them. In his book, Howarth writes that the master of the Templars was never called the Grand Master, yet that is how Robinson refers to them. There were a few other descrepencies between the two books but nothing major.
The maps (all 3 of them) were ok. The tables of the 'players' in the back of the book were helpful.
I recommend this book.. Could you do better? Maybe, but with all of the junk that they are publishing about the KT these days you could do a heck of a lot worse.
Book Description
In the age of the internet and the proliferation of "conspiracy theories," ideas that secret groups are trying to gain control of humanity are no longer rare. But this was not true in 1917 when Rudolf Steiner spoke of such matters in the extraordinary lectures contained in this book. His unique contribution to this controversial topic is not based on abstract theories; it arose from exact research methods that use advanced forms of perception and cognition.
Using the firsthand knowledge available to him, Steiner takes us behind the scenes of events in outer history and contemporary culture to reveal a dark world of secret elitist brotherhoods that are attempting to control the masses through the forces of economics, technology, and political assassinations. These hidden groups, he explains, seek power through the use of ritual magic and suggestion.
Among his many topics, Steiner speaks about the geographic nature of the American continent and the forces that arise from it; the nature of the double (or doppelganger) and the dangers of psychoanalysis; the spiritual origin of electromagnetism; the abuse of inoculations and vaccinations; the meaning of Ireland for world development; confused ideas about angels in relation to higher beings and divinity; and, above all, the need for clear insight into world events based on spiritual knowledge.
Never before available in English as a complete volume, the text of this book has been freshly translated for this edition.
Customer Reviews:
Steiner talks about the Black Lodge.......2006-02-23
Well folks, here's a rarity you don't hear about very often...an anthroposophist speaking openly about the practices of secret cults, groups and societies of a negative nature!
His words are still immensely relevent to our modern day predicament. If not more so, then back in the early 1900's.
This series of lectures fills an important gap in Steiner's works/talks, but absolutely necessary for those serious in the esoteric to know about. Another good source who talks quite a bit on the black lodge is Samael Aun Weor.
Book Description
The ultimate book on Freemasonry, with a rich collection of symbols and lore that illuminate the famous fraternal society.
"The Craft," with an estimated four million Freemasons worldwide, remains the largest fraternal organization in the world. Written by an active Freemason, this book comprehensively explains Freemasonry through its fascinating visual culture, rich in mysterious and arcane symbols of life, death, and morality that have evolved over centuries of secrecy and that have profound philosophical meaning.
Ceremonial regalia, paintings, manuscripts, tracing boards, ritual swords, furniture, prints, ephemera, and architecture: the book is copiously illustrated with many specially researched items from Freemasonry archives. This unrivaled compendium will appeal both to Freemasons wishing to learn the full story of their order and to a general audience that is intensely curious about this traditionally secretive and closed movement.
The coverage includes
• the historical and philosophical background of the order, including the Knights Templar, the medieval stonemasons' guilds, and esoteric traditions such as Kabbalah and Hermeticism
• its history from the earliest Masons to the present day, including famous members and scandals
• its geographical spread from Japan to California, Sweden to South Africa
•300 illustrations, 200 in color
Customer Reviews:
Review from a life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society........2007-07-26
This is a great introduction to the WORLD (Caps added for emphasis) of Freemasonry written in plain language for the Mason and Non-Mason. The full color/black and white pictures are excellent. Brother MacNulty is a loyal Man of the Craft and shares some of his cherised thoughts about the Craft with you within the pages of this book but he is careful not to spoon feed deep esoteric knowledge about the Craft because the Craft is not designed for babies. THE CRAFT IS DESIGNED FOR MEN. We Masons will guide you and give you the tools you need to find the ultimate answers for yourself, AS A MAN! Brother MacNulty is one of the brightest Masonic stars to come out from the state of Virginia. And like me, he is a member of both American and British Freemasonry. The knowledge resulting in his dual membership is reflected in this excellent book. Read "Freemasonry; A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol, also by Brother MacNulty, for a deeper understanding of the Craft. And finally, read "The Way of The Craftsman", also by Brother MacNulty, if you are a Master Mason interested in the ESOTERIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRAFT. I could say more to address the funny anti-masons but will not because that would be spoon feeding.
An interesting but shallow inside-look at Freemasonry.......2007-03-11
This book written by a long-standing member of the Masons is more of a picture-book than a book in the ordinary sense. There is very little text at all, it consists mainly of large pictures, and is hence a very short "read". That being said, he includes a lot of fascinating pictures, drawings and paintings both known and unknown from before. The book serves adequately as a decent introduction to Freemasonry, but don't expect this to be very honest. You notice immediately that it is written by one of the brothers, since he only vaguely hints at everything, and you don't really feel you get to know anything that is of real interest.
It contains a lot of interesting images that show you just how deep in high society this travesty runs. If you read between the lines though, you will quickly see a connection between Judaism, Freemasonry and the ruling "elites". It saddens me to see all these fine men in the early 1900's throwing their intellectual energy away into something so filled with subversive elements. What did the men of Europe have to do with Kabala and its various spawns and cousins? These men could have saved the West when it was still a relatively easy thing to accomplish, but instead they chose to sell out their souls to this meaningless Semitic non-sense.
Recommended, but read with caution, because this is not the real face of Freemasonry, that ugly grin hides beneath the "for the good of society"-facade. A very educating and penetrating essay to read regarding the subject is Julius Evola - "The Relationship between Judaism and Freemasonry", an essay I highly recommend and that you will find easily available on the internet.
(I read a different edition of the book)
Freemasonry:Symbols, Secrets, Significance.......2007-02-02
I would recommend this publication to particularily any new Mason or someone considering applying, as being the most complete overview of the brotherhood of Masonry I have found. It would also certainly be beneficial to some of those who have been in Masonry for awhile as a "rusty nail training" piece. The pictures and diagrams included in it are excellent quality accurately describing the rich heritage of the society. While it explains very well historical operative masonry to modern day speculative practice the author is careful to preserve the secrets within the degrees.
Freemasonry Enlightened.......2007-01-21
I am a Master Mason and also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason so feel qualified to give an opinion, recognizing that other may not share my viewpoint.
Masonry is not for everybody, but this book goes a long way to tell the story in a manner that many non-Mason's can understand. There is very little these days that is "secret" and our Lodge is very open, even having its installations open to the public.
I concur that Masonry is not a religion, but it does reinforce my Christian beliefs, as well as those other religions we have in our Lodge.
This is a good book, not perfect, but well worth having and reading. I am enjoying reliving much of what I learned along the way and seeing how Masons around the globe work.
I recommend this book to those wanting to know more about this great Fraternity, home to many generations of Americans, including a large number of our founding Fathers.
masonic disinfo.com and disneyworld is lovely.......2007-01-10
great coofetable book for grandpa to show the family what he is been doing every week when he meets his friends to do charitable work
but in realityland
beatiful pictures beatiful stories beatiful explanations that say basically nothing except superficial bla bla
one always wonders if the guy writing this
is leaving all the really interesting stuff, connections, persons and vital data out on purpose
to keep the profane dumbed down
or if they themselves are so dumbed down to believe the crap they are writing
hard to imagine really given that they spend a lifetime studying this stuff and still havent been able to see a bigger picture than there local lodge
so if you re looking for a historical account by even the most sloppy standards this book is rubbish
if youre looking for explanations of the esoteric meanings beyond the most obvious superficial layer of things this book is rubbish
if you re looking for anything more than a thinly veiled advertisment brochure by a devout disciple of the craft
dont buy !
if you re looking for a brief introduction with glossy pictures
and are prepared to be misled
buy !
Book Description
If you read only one book on Freemasonry, this is it! Contents: The Scottish Rite degrees from the 4th through the 32nd. Secret Master; Perfect Master; Intimate Secretary; Provost and Judge; Intendant of the Building; Elu of the Nine; Elu of the Fifteen; Elu of the Twelve; Master Architect; Royal Arch of Solomon; Perfect Elu; Knight of the East; Prince of Jerusalem; Knight of the East and West; Knight Rose Croix; Pontiff; Master of the Symbolic Lodge; Noachite or Prussian Knight; Knight of the Royal Axe or Prince of Liabanus; Chief of the Tabernacle; Prince of the Tabernacle; Knight of the Brazen Serpent; Prince of Mercy; Knight Commander of the Temple; Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept; Scottish Knight of St. Andrew; Knight Kadosh; Inspector Inquisitor; Master of the Royal Secret. Other volumes in this set are ISBN(s): 1417910992.
Customer Reviews:
Who would have thought?.......2006-02-25
I bought this book because I have just read the highly recommendable novel 'Journey to Eden' by Max Pucher. It is full of references to Freemasonry and I am astonished that so much of it seems to be true and not just creative invention. 'Morals and Dogma' is quite a surprise. I guess that most see Masonry as purely a charitable concept like me, but that is not all when you read what the founder of the Scottish Rite has to say in here. I wonder how much this is truly related to America's founders.
This book is interesting but not a great read, by the way.
Book Description
The cloak-and-dagger secrecy of Yale University's secret society known as Skull and Bones has prompted people worldwide to attribute to it some of the most staggering conspiracies in modern history. From the society's neaarly windowless crypt in the middle of the Yale campus, the Bonesmen, it is said, plot to dominate the world. In this widely acclaimed book, Alexandra Robbins slips through the veil of myth to reveal the truth about Skull and Bones' operations and influence, and explains why this old-boy 19th century throwback still thrives in 21st-century America.
Download Description
The Ivy League is full of societies and clubs, some public and some very private. But none is as secret as Yale's Skull and Bones, a tiny, mysterious society that has spawned three U.S. presidents, including William H. Taft, George W. Bush, and his father. Skull and Bones' cloak-and-dagger secrecy has prompted people worldwide to attribute to it some of the most staggering conspiracies in modern history-as well as events including the drop of the atom bomb, the rise of Hitler, and the invasion of the Bay of Pigs. From their nearly windowless crypt in the middle of the Yale campus, the Bonesmen, it is said, plot to dominate the world. In Secrets of the Tomb, acclaimed journalist Alexandra Robbins slips through the veil of secrecy to investigate, through society documents and interviews with dozens of members, the truth about Skull and Bones' influence and operations. She also explains why this old-boy 19th century throwback, a product of another time, still thrives in 21st-century America.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Book !!!!.......2007-06-08
This book is a wonderful read! If you are not from the Northeast and don't know much on the Ivy Leagues and their past, it's a great book to get an understanding on the subject. Somewhat Cloak & Daggar, but very intersting indeed!
Just as others said - quite the disappointment..........2007-05-29
I was looking for some interesting insight but found very little in this book. It provides the basics of the society and what I'm sure is public knowledge but no insider information... Generally disappointing.
Either a fantastic work of disinformation, or an incredibly boring read.......2007-05-07
This book is either great or awful. Great if my longshot hunch is true: Alexandra (herself a secret society member) merely leads readers off the path and convinces them that there really is nothing to Skull and Bones. Awful if this is the real boring truth of the club. If it is the truth, then it doesn't really warrant a full book. A mere few pages stating: Skull and Bones: an average fraternity that happened to survive for many many years and have a few third-tier Presidents, sleazy CIA agents, and a handful of Congressman.
Is the book believable? Who knows.
I'd like a book written by a true outsider, and not someone who attended Yale herself as well as joined a secret society.
I say its a coin-flip: the society is either incredibly boring as this book attempts to tell you, or this book is just what they want you to believe. Either way, its dull and a very slow read.
Maybe the only way i will know for sure is if i disappear and my bank accounts are frozen after i post this...
Can you trust a 322 and Scroll and Key collaboration? .......2007-04-22
There is a lot of interesting stuff in this but you have to ask yourself how much the information in it can be trusted because for one the author gets a good portion of it from anonymous Skull & Bones members who talked because they claimed they were tired of hearing so much weird speculation about them. So for one, how can you be sure what they told her was accurate and not intentional disinformation. For another even if what they gave her was true, its still information that they chose to let out but not the whole story. Another big factor that has to make you wonder is it turns out that the woman who wrote Secrets of the Tomb was her self a member of another elitist secret society at Yale, Scroll & Key.
This book is worth reading if your researching S & B but you just have to wonder how honest it is. The best book on the Skull & Bones is Fleshing Out Skull & Bones which was edited by Kris Millegan. Antony Suttons work on the 322 cabal is also highly recomended.
Not the revelation I expected.......2007-03-09
While this book was reasonably entertaining and readable, it tended to get repetitious and did not deliver the "secrets" as advertised. The underlying consipracies were only old school bonds that anyone could expect from a frat house.
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