Books – Lists of recommended Masonic books

Masonic Books

The purpose of this webpage is not to support any particular book or any particular publisher or any particular seller of Masonic books. Websites to publishers are supplied only to permit internet viewers to obtain more information about publishers of Masonic books. The books listed here, and many other Masonic books, can be purchased in many places, such as the internet, in Masonic bookstores, and in regular bookstores.

Interesting Masonic books (in alphabetic order, ignoring initial “the” or “a,” etc.):

 

The Northern Light: A Window for Freemasonry, the official publication of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, in its issue for May 1995 (Vol. 26, No. 2), provided information about Masonic books. Several Masonic scholars were asked to list the 10 best books for the new or average Mason. 

Curtis’ list – Richard Curtis is the Editor of The Northern Light – books listed in his order of preference

1. The Craft and Its Symbols, by Allen E. Roberts, 1974
2. Freemasonry: A Celebration of the Craft, by John Hamill and R.A. Gilbert (ed.), 1992
3. A Pilgrim’s Path, by John J. Robinson, 1993
4. A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry, by Henry Wilson Coil, 1973
5. Freemasonry in American History, by Allen E. Roberts, published 1985 by Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc., Richmond, Virginia, ISBN 0-88053-078-2
6. Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, by Henry Wilson Coil, 1961
7. Masonic Trivia & Facts, by Allen E. Roberts, 1994
8. Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers, by Ronald E. Heaton, 1965
9. 10,000 Famous Freemasons, by William R. Denslow, 1957
10. Tied to Masonic Apron Strings, by Stewart M. L. Pollard, 1969

Herbold’s list – Ralph A. Herbold is the editor of the Southern California Research Lodge publications – books listed in his order of preference

1. The Craft and Its Symbols, by Allen E. Roberts, 1974
2. A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry, by Henry Wilson Coil, 1973
3. Born in Blood, by John J. Robinson, 1989
4. William Preston and His Work, by Colin Dyer, 1987
5. Workman Unashamed, by Christopher Haffner, 1989
6. A Pilgrim’s Path, by John J. Robinson, 1993
7. House Undivided, by Allen E. Roberts, 1961
8. Masonic World Guide, by Kent Henderson, 1984
9. The Freemason at Work, by Harry Carr, 1976
10. Miracle at Philadelphia, by Catherine Drinker Bowen, 1966

Jackson’s list – Thomas W. Jackson was the Grand Secretary for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and is the book reviewer for The Northern Light – books listed in his order of preference

1. A Pilgrim’s Path, by John J. Robinson, 1993
2. House Undivided, by Allen E. Roberts, 1961
3. The Builders, by Joseph Fort Newton, 1914
4. Born in Blood, by John J. Robinson, 1989
5. Freemasonry: A Celebration of the Craft, by John Hamill & R.A. Gilbert (ed.), 1992
6. The Mystic Tie, by Allen E. Roberts, 1991
7. The Temple and the Lodge, by Michael Baigent & Richard Leigh, 1989
8. The Clergy and the Craft, by Forrest D. Haggard, 1970
9. Freemasonry in American History, by Allen E. Roberts, published 1985 by Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc., Richmond, Virginia, ISBN 0-88053-078-2
10. The Boy Who Cried Wolf, by Richard Thorn, 1995

McLeod’s list – Wallace McLeod is professor of classics at Victoria College, University of Toronto, and past president of the Philalethes Society – books listed in his order of preference

1. Freemasons’ Guide and Compendium, by Bernard E. Jones, 1950, 1956
2. Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, by Henry Wilson Coil, 1961
3. The Freemason at Work, by Harry Carr, 1976
4. Freemasonry: A Celebration of the Craft, by John Hamill & R.A. Gilbert (ed.), 1992
5. The Pocket History of Freemasonry, by Fred L. Pick & G. Norman Knight, 1953
6. Whither Are We Traveling?, by Dwight L. Smith, 1962
7. The Master’s Book, by Carl H. Claudy, 1935
8. Key to Freemasonry’s Growth, by Allen E. Roberts, 1969
9. The Early Masonic Catechisms, by Douglas Knoop, G. P. Jones, & Douglas Hamer, 1953, 1963
10. A Pilgrim’s Path, by John J. Robinson, 1993

Normand’s list – Pete Normand is a Past Master of the Texas Lodge of Research and was editor of the former American Masonic Review – books listed in alphabetical order

1. Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, by Henry Wilson Coil, 1961
2. The Freemason at Work, by Harry Carr, 1976
3. Freemasonry in American History, by Allen E. Roberts, published 1985 by Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc., Richmond, Virginia, ISBN 0-88053-078-2
4. Freemasonry Through Six Centuries, by Henry Wilson Coil, 1966
5. Freemasons’ Guide and Compendium, by Bernard E. Jones, 1950, 1956
6. Masonic World Guide, by Kent W. Henderson, 1984
7. A Pilgrim’s Path, by John J. Robinson, 1993
8. The Rise and Development of Organized Freemasonry, by Roy A. Wells, 1986
9. Workman Unashamed, by Christopher Haffner, 1989
10. World Freemasonry: An Illustrated History, by John Hamill & R. A. Gilbert, 1991

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Suggestions about Masonic books by Paul M. Bessel

10 (or so) “favorite” or most significant Masonic books:

1. Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth Century Europe, by Margaret C. Jacob

This book is written by a college professor who has done a great deal of research, extremely well documented, showing that Freemasonry is in essence the living continuation of the Enlightenment, and was the training ground for democracy as it was developing in Western civilization. The Radical Enlightenment: Pantheists, Freemasons and Republicans, an earlier book by Margaret C. Jacob, is similar in its theme and detail. These two books present the best explanation of the importance of Freemasonry in history and in society today.

2. Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840, by Steven C. Bullock

Similar to Margaret Jacob’s books in that this is also an excellent, detailed study by a college professor, this time about the role of Freemasonry in America. It presents the best explanation of what Freemasonry represented in the early and developing U.S., and why and how it helped shape our institutions and attitudes.

3. Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, by Henry Wilson Coil, revised edition by Allen E. Roberts, published 1995 (revised edition) by Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., Inc.

This is an excellent all around review of every subject relating to Freemasonry. It is interesting just to read random sections, and it is essential as a start for all Masonic research.

4. Freemasonry Universal: A New Guide to the Masonic World (volume 1 – The Americas, volume 2 – Africa, Europe, Asia, & Oceania), by Kent Henderson & Tony Pope

These books present the most detailed, well researched information about the current state of Freemasonry in every country in the world, including background information about how Masonry developed in each place. Every Mason who travels at all should have these books, which give information about what lodges exist, where, under which jurisdictions, and how they interact with other Masonic groups.

5. Lodge of the Double Headed Eagle: Two Centuries of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in America’s Southern Jurisdiction, by William L. Fox, and Valley of the Craftsmen, A Pictorial History: Scottish Rite Freemasonry in America’s Southern Jurisdiction 1801-2001, edited by William L. Fox

Both these books present an excellent history of Freemasonry, focusing, of course, on the Scottish Rite, and its role in American history. They are well documented and researched and present a clear story of Freemasonry’s effects on the U.S. and vice versa.

6. House Undivided, The Story of Freemasonry and the Civil War, and House Reunited, both by Allen E. Roberts

These books, especially House Undivided, present the most extensive information about the role of Masons in the U.S. Civil War, one of the key events in U.S. and world history. In addition to presenting interesting stories for Masons to enjoy, these books put the actions of Masons in this era in context and explain what was going on around them. Roberts’ book, Freemasonry in American History, is similarly useful and interesting.

7. Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry?: The Methods of Anti-Masons, by Art de Hoyos and S. Brent Morris

This book presents the best and clearest explanations of the attacks that are made against Freemasonry, and the truth, with complete details, that can be used to respond to those who make these attacks. A similar book about allegations against Freemasonry and other conspiracy theories, and research about the real facts, is Conspiracy: How the Paranoid Style Flourishes and Where it Comes From, by Daniel Pipes. Another story of antimasonic allegations, and the truth, is presented in Fundamentalism & Freemasonry: The Southern Baptist Investigation of the Fraternal Order, by Gary Leazer, an excellent and detailed study of one specific attack on Masonry and all the details behind it.

8. The Antimasonic Party in the United States 1826-1843, by William Preston Vaughn

This is the only book that presents a complete and well researched description of the rise and fall of the Antimasonic movement and the political party it developed, in the early 1800s in the U.S. Many are not aware of the way in which Masons contributed to their own problems, but also the overall context in which this movement grew and was very successful for a long time.

9. Black Square and Compasses, and A Prince Hall Masonic Quiz Book, both by Joseph A. Walkes, Jr.

These books are probably the best and clearest stories of how Prince Hall Masonry was formed and how it developed and survived some of the most trying experiences Masons have had to face anywhere and anytime. Joe Walkes presents the facts exactly as he sees them, and all those who are not familiar with Prince Hall Masonry should read these books to learn about this important part of Freemasonry.

10. A Radical in the East, by S. Brent Morris, The Grand Design, by Wallace McLeod, and The Mystic Tie, by Allen E. Roberts, and Let Your Work Become Your Mark, by Stewart W. Miner

These are “collection” books, bringing together Masonic essays or speeches that the authors have used on various occasions. They present information and ideas about all facets of Freemasonry, and many Masons have been inspired to seek to join the Craft as a result of reading or hearing these messages.

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Masonic Book Club (MBC)

usually publishes one Masonic book reprint each year, available for subscription

Robin L. Carr
1811 Hoover Dr.
Normal, IL 61761

rlcarr1@msn.com

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“Popular” books related to Masonry, often through a real or imagined connection with the Knights Templar, Ark of the Covenant, or other “treasures”

The Book of Hiram: Freemasonry, Venus and the Secret Key to the Life of Jesus Christopher Knight, Robert Lomas 2003
The Bloodline of the Holy Grail: The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed by Laurence Gardner 1997
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown 2003
The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh 1991
Dungeon, Fire and Sword: The Knights Templar in the Crusades by John J. Robinson 1991
The Hiram Key: Pharaohs, Freemasons and the Discovery of the Secret Scrolls of Jesus by Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas 1998
	Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, Henry Lincoln 1982
The Messianic Legacy by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, Henry Lincoln 1989 sequel to Holy Blood, Holy Grail
Second Messiah by Christopher Knight, with Robert Lomas 2000
The Sword and the Grail: The Story of the Grail, the Templars and the True Discovery of America by Andrew Sinclair 1992
The Templar Revelation: Secret Guardians of the True Identity of Christ by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince 1997
	Two Crowns for America by Katherine Kurtz 1997 ISBN: 0-553-76248-6
Uriel’s Machine: Uncovering the Secrets of Stonehenge, Noah’s Flood, and the Dawn of Civilization by Christopher Knight, Robert Lomas 2001