Secrets Of The Freemasons by Michael Bradley

by Michael Bradley

Over the past three centuries, thousands of books and pamphlets have been written about the Freemasons in an attempt to interpret the great truths that lie within its labyrinthine symbolic system and to expand on its seemingly impenetrable legends. But this guide is it anchors its analysis by shining a spotlight on several key historical events, and explores the darker side of Masonic conspiracies, murder, and world manipulation. Find about Freemasonry’s early history, and meet its many influential members—including Mozart, Winston Churchill, and several leaders of the American Revolution. Step inside the lodge, decode the secret symbols and special handshake, and delve into the Masons’ pagan rites, covert cousins, and secrets and lies. You’ll get an amazing view of a heretofore hidden fraternity.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Religion, Reference, Philosophy, Biography

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it to be informative. Covered history, famous people who were Freemasons, Pagan rites, their objectives, descriptions of the 33 degrees. I thought the letter written in 1871 about needing 3 world wars, the first to disable Russia, the second to disable Germany etc was revealing. Book was written for Barnes and Noble. Great illustrations.

[Mason Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

As I read this book, I found it to be very inaccurate on several issues. To start off, the layout of the lodge on page 27 was blatantly labeled wrong and this fact just jumped out for anyone who has even the rudimentary knowledge of Masonry.

On page 31, the author mentions the Scottish Rites and York Rites but never elaborates on any subject dealing with the York Rites.

The obvious omission of any mention of the philanthropic charities that the Masons are involved with such as the Shriners Hospitals who provide free orthopedic and burn care to children under 18. The Scottish Rite Masons have been national leaders in the effort to help children and their families overcome the painful obstacles of dyslexia. With 55 active Learning Centers in 15 states, the Children's Learning Centers tackle the challenge of dyslexia both by providing free tutoring for children with dyslexia and by training a growing cadre of highly skilled and dedicated tutors. There was no mention that it was the Freemasons that made it possible for the Statue of Liberty to be erected in New York Harbor, one of the iconic symbols of this nation. The local Blue Lodges of Masonry contribute liberally to many college scholarships for deserving high school seniors helping them obtain their advanced educations. Of course the author, Michael Bradley makes no mention of any of this in his book.

This brings us to page 72, Pagan Rites! Now finely we get to the true aspect of crap that the author’s purpose of writing this book. For the next several pages just goes on to perpetuate false, created fabrication lies by that have been disproven over the years. Much of this false information came from Léo Taxil, which was the pen name of Marie Joseph Gabriel Antoine Jogand-Pagès. Léo Taxil hired a prostitute by the name of, Diana Vaughan, who was supposed to be the female involved in Satanic Freemasonry rituals. On April 19, 1897 Taxil called a press conference at which he claimed he would introduce Diana Vaughan to the press. He instead announced that many of his revelations about the Freemasons were nothing more than a fictitious con job. I find it interesting that Michael Bradley is gaining financial rewards today running the same old, and not even new or original, copying Léo Taxil’s con.

At the end of reading the book, the only enlightenment on the subject was the fact that I had pissed away $9.95 on blaringly wrong, poorly researched and non-confirmed and even long ago disproven and admitted fabrication information stated as facts. The only thing missing was some link to alien space men conspiracy theories to make this factious fantasy tome complete.

You would be much better off spending your money on the Discovery Channel’s DVD, Hunting The Lost Symbol for more accurate information on the subject.

[Uncle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read a good number of books on the subject of Freemasonry and there are several inaccuracies here. Either Manly P. Hall is off the mark or Michael Beasley is...I'll have to bet on the latter. It's a nicely laid out book. Very easy to read. If you're looking for just an overview of Freemasonry then this book is okay (even with the inaccuracies). If you're looking for a serious study of Freemasonry then this book isn't for you.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very interesting. I will probably read it again to gain more information that I didn't get before. I did read some other reviews on this book on how inaccurate it is. I respectfully disagree with some points. I take this book as informational only and would recommend it to those that are interested in secret societies.

[Judgemental Toast · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Eerie. It's truly mind blowing to imagine being so evil and corrupt that you actively create wars and revolutions and tear down whole monarchies just to line your pockets with more money.

[Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Visually presented well, it gave a fun, albeit paranoid view of Freemasonry. The author did acknowledge in the opening pages that this book was suited more towards the conspiracy theory type rather than any kind of objective view of the nature and history of the Craft, but it did have it's entertaining parts. Good fodder for stories.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't have nearly enough scandal for me. It was good for basic knowledge.

[Madi]

A very cool & interesting read with some great info within. My only "gripe" was the constant use of "we'll talk more about this later". Why not elaborate on each point as it comes up rather than expanding on it later out of context?

Regardless though, I enjoyed it.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Freemason, I've sometimes wondered how many trees have lost their lives to make goofy books written by anti-masons and/or masons themselves advancing very speculative histories and theories of the "craft." Although this book is beautifully illustrated and has some good information in it, the author doesn't hesitate in advancing wild speculation based on select cases. A case in point: one section discusses P2 (Propaganda Due Lodge) in Italy and its link to serious criminal activities. However, he fails to mention P2's charter was withdrawn in 1976, turning it into a clandestine lodge. I'd like to say this is the only section filled with partial truth, but the book is full of it. He ends the book by stating, "While Masonic membership may have dwindled, anyone who believes that Masonry is in decline is gravely mistaken." What is that supposed to mean? The secrecy that surrounds Freemasonry is a double-edged sword. The secrecy both attracts and repels. Some men join to learn the secrets. However, others see evil conspiracies hiding in our mystical symbols and secret rituals. The origins of speculative Masonry are "lost in the mists of time." Be wary of those claiming to see the "truth" clearly in the mists. Also, be wary of those claiming Masons control the world.

[Ross Wille · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secrets of the Freemasons was a very informational book about the freemasons for most part but this book also had some far fetch conspiracy theories. The book is educational in the sense that it talks about certain rituals and ceremonies that are performed by the Freemasons, and it also talked about masonic symbols found around the world like the ones in Washington DC. Warning this book mentions satanic things and talks about the Occult. If you are wanting to learn more about the Freemasons I suggest you read this book.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, although when I bought it, I didn't realize it was a book "bashing" the Freemasons. It did pose some questions that made me think, but in all, it was interesting to know what the Freemasons are about.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the title was chosen to cash in on the whole "Secret Society" moniker attached to Freemasonry. So, I am not a fan of the title. After that, this book is filled with interesting trivia pertaining to Freemasonry. It is a good coffee table book.

[Janell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the chapters were so boring that I skipped over them, others were very intriguing. Overall, it wasn't the Da Vinci Code-type thriller that I expected.

[G. Tramaine Peoples · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Whether he is spot on accurate about the Freemasons history or not, it was a good introduction to their secret culture nonetheless..

[Sarah Youngblood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book interesting. I am more interested in the Illuminati than the free masons, but am glad I got the information that I did out of this book.

[Kunal Arora · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting

[Rami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved the design of this book along with how objective it was in portraying the beliefs of this ancient creed along with some high-profile criticisms of it and their Masonic counterarguments. The several references provided were much appreciated.

This basically lays out everything you need to know about the system in a pretty basic way without much elaboration. So it sets the groundwork pretty well for further research I’d say.

[Noy · Rating 1 out of 5]

no secrets

[Kyle Bartsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is now the second book I’ve read on the matter and it has reinvigorated my desire to join the masons. I’m so curious about what’s going on in there. I think imma try and be a Freemason.

[J.M. Heizer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book four stars more due to how interesting I found the book to be than my belief in its accuracy. I am currently writing a book that includes the Freemasons. Since I wanted to really play up the myths that surround the fraternity, this book was a great way to learn what some of those myths are as well as possibly gain some basic knowledge of the Freemasons, in general.

There were a few passages in the book that made me question the validity of their statements. This mostly came when referencing Masonic involvement in well known world events and geographical references that didn't quite ring true for me more than my comparison of Freemason facts. Cause seriously...I know didley squat about the Freemasons. While the book is set up to highlight what possible myths and conspiracy theories surround the brotherhood, I was rather surprised that it didn't touch on any of the current day things that the brotherhood is know for. What little I've always known about the Freemasons was that they were a rather charitable, community serving organization.

All in all, an interesting read, especially if you aren't taking it too seriously, but I wouldn't consider this book the solid truth and full picture representation of all that the Freemasons are, if that's what you're really looking for.

[Keresaspa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the title fool you, this isn't some crazy conspiracy nonsense about secret plans for world domination, but rather a bright and breezy outline of some of the signs, symbols and terms employed by the Freemasons. Generally written from a pro-Masonic point of view, it's a useful corrective to some of the ludicrous nonsense you'll read about them online, offering a potted history of the group and some explanation of why they do what they do. If it has a failing it's that the book overlooks just how daft Freemasons actually look (the world domination thing is, of course, a load of hokum but middle aged men wearing aprons and using secret passwords is all a bit silly) but I suspect they already know that anyway. It's a short book and doesn't really go deep into anything but is still a handy response to some of the insane nonsense that is widely disseminated these days.

And for the record I'm not a member and have no interest in joining.

[Beckie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The information in this book is of a basic nature, but enough to give the reader insight as to the origins and agenda of the Masons and related groups. There is a good reading list at the end for those wanting to investigate further. I've never known much about the Masons before, but now have a clearer understanding of their agenda, both politcally and spiritually speaking. It pays to pay attention to the core purpose of such fraternities; they have a global membership of powerful and influential people who contribute to world and local politics and economies more than one might think. The Freemasons are an octopus with many, many tentacles. The author presents the information in a matter-of-fact manner that shows no bias, but hopes to inform the reader.

[Cedric King · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book from A store. The significant title of this book is Secrets everybody likes secrets. The author wrote this book to enlighten young minds. The audience that this book better be able to handle dark truths. I learned that the Illuminati was started by the son of a rabbi. Jack the ripper is somehow linked to the Freemasons. Mozart was a Free mason. This book is about the Freemasons. I used prior knowledge to read this book because I studied the Freemasons before starting this book. I also used the connect strategy by connecting with other Freemasons. Visualization was a big part of me reading this book when it talked about jack the ripper I visualized what actually happened to the prostitutes. I wouldn't recommend this book unless you're studying the masons.

[White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! My son and I were very interested in Freemasonry when we saw the film, National Treasure. As we delved a little deeper into more current history, we became more and more enchanted with freemasonry. Then I came to learn that my grandfather was a member of the Freemasons. So I got this book for him. He read it first, passed it on to me. I am really fascinated at some of the parallels it has with certain parts of our Utah culture. This book is interesting. It gives the name of historical figures who were members, theoretical members and their fate, as well as some of the rituals and the risks of Freemasonry.

[Kiki_chieuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un ouvrage intéressant. Autant sur l’évolution historique que sur les différentes branches (notamment celles devenues autonomes). J’ai ainsi découvert l’appartenance à la franc-maçonnerie de nombre de personnes célèbres.
Si je prends cette lecture et son contenu avec des pincettes en raison d’un arrière goût de parti pris, cette forme de mise à plat a su faire le lien entre diverses connaissances acquises ça et là.
Malgré quelques termes spécifiques au sujet, ce livre est accessible à tous. Je pense qu’il faut tout de même une appétence pour les franc-maçons afin d’y trouver un réel intérêt.

[Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book on the Freemasons, in detail at least. I've always read bits and pieces of information about this frat/secret society. Anyway, it opened a whole can of worms because I am definitely researching this group more. Some of the things mentioned in this short book are mouth-opening..........

O

[Darryl Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always found groups like the freemasons, knights templar, and ect. interesting so I though this book was ok. It's full of both facts and speculations about the masons.

[LINDSAY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an appealing take on Freemasonry. I was a little absorbed, but also realize that it's not completely accurate. All the while enjoying every page. Loved the read.

[T M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Marc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much here. No secrets. very little content.