The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry

by S. Brent Morris

Freemasonry is an ancient secret society shrouded in obscurity. Fascination with the mysteries of the Masons reached fever pitch after the release of Dan Brown's novels, Angels and Demons, The DaVinci Code, and The Lost Symbol. But these novels and their related movies raised more questions than they answered. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry, Second Edition, fills readers in on the truths behind the mysteries. In it, readers get:
- A fact-filled overview of the birth and beginnings of Freemasonry, including its relationship to the Knights Templar and Egypt
- Fascinating facts about famous Masons
- An explanation of the various Masonic organizations, such as the York and Scottish rites, and the Shriners
- A behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on in a Masonic lodge, including initiations
- A new walking tour of Washington, D.C., pointing out the hidden Masonic symbols featured in The Lost Symbol
- Scripts for Masonic rituals, giving a flavor of the language used in such ceremonies
- A field guide to Masonic symbols and regalia, with photos and explanations of significance
- The history behind Masonic philanthropic efforts and youth groups
- A history of African American Freemasonry and the role of women in Masonic organizations

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Religion, Reference

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2006

About the author

For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._Brent...

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as good as "Fremasons for Dummies," but still a good read.

[Kitap · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clearly organized, well written reference book on Anglo-American Freemasonry by an author who has been a member of the fraternity for almost four decades. Dr. Morris supports the contention that Freemasonry evolved from a medieval trade guild into a modern fraternal society over the span of roughly two hundred years. He admits that he doesn't see much more than romantic speculation in historical theories that connect Freemasonry with alchemists, the Rosicrucians, the Knights Templar, and the "hermetic tradition" of the ancient Egyptians, and so the book doesn't give this stuff much coverage. It is an excellent reference for the practical, on-the-ground approach to Freemasonry, though. If you want to investigate "basic" Blue Lodge Masonry with its three degrees, or if you want to explore further in the York or Scottish Rites, this is a good book to have on hand.

[Steven Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Much More Than An Idiot' Guide

Interested as I am in becoming a Mason, I got this book, attracted to the simplicity of it being an idiot's guide. It is greatly more than an idiot's guide and should be entered into only by those who have a serious desire to learn about Freemasonry.
That said, the casual reader should not be dissuaded from getting this book. It is laid out quite simply and clearly. One may read straight through or jump about as their needs dictate.
Whatever one's starting point as to purpose in reading, this is a smashingly good read......for the learned as well as the idiot.

[Kip Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about the Complete Idiot's series but I'm always uncomfortable buying or mentioning them. Maybe the title? Anyway, I was curious to learn more about the Masons but too lazy to chase links all over the web. This was a book presented by a Mason who seemed oddly slanted towards the incredible good the fraternity does for the world. I didn't realize how sensitive the group is to conspiracy theories until Morris corrected all of the incorrect beliefs I didn't have about them. If I did believe the conspiracy theories and had the mistaken beliefs I don't think he would've laid a glove on them. This might be a great book for a fellow to read before his first lodge meeting. I can't recommend it beyond that.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're new to this fraternity and needed a simple introduction, which this book provides. I found the history quite interesting, although I was already familiar with some of it. The guide to symbols is helpful, as is the brief overview of the various groups that have grown up around the Masons. Perhaps best is the level-headed treatment some of the misconceptions (and outright lies) some outsiders have about this group - the author addresses these, explains how they came to be believed, and presents rational rebuttals, based on freely available evidence.

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source for the history, philosophy, and practices of Freemasonry. The author discusses Freemasonry's possible relationship to the Knights Templar, differences between the Scottish and York rites, how Masons are initiated, religious concerns about Freemasonry, urban legends and outright lies concerning Freemasonry, and a list of famous Freemasons (i.e. Buzz Aldrin, Nat King Cole, Davy Crockett, Jesse Helms, Rudyard Kipling, Douglas MacArthur, Mozart, Arnold Palmer, Paul Revere, Roy Rogers, Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dave Thomas, John Wayne, and Brigham Young to name a few).

[James of the Redwoods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written overview of the Freemason community.

[Meshari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to know what freemasons are. Wikipedia has a better summary. It may be a good book for a new recruit to freemasonry.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid compendium style review. Quick and enjoyable read.

[E.S. Wynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource, but mostly for skeptics, conspiracy theorists and collectors of memorabilia, I think. Could use more detail, but then, there really only is so much that can be said. . .

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as research for my podcast, so nothing about this was embarrassing.

[Rusty Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview. information is just enough to give you accurate initial evaluation of the craft.

[Alianoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative.