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The Secret Architecture of Our Nation's Capital: The Masons and the Building of Washington, D.C.
Today, there are more than twenty complete zodiacs in Washington, D.C., each one pointing to an extraordinary mystery. David Ovason, who has studied these astrological devices for ten years, now reveals why they have been placed in such abundance in the center of our nation's capital and explains their interconnections. His richly illustrated text tells the story of how Washington, from its foundation in 1791, was linked with the zodiac, with the meaning of certain stars, and with a hidden cosmological symbolism that he uncovers here for the first time.
Fascinating and thoroughly researched, The Secret Architecture of Our Nation 's Capital is an engrossing book that raises provocative questions and otters complex insights into the meanings behind the mysterious symbols in Washington.
Fascinating and thoroughly researched, The Secret Architecture of Our Nation 's Capital is an engrossing book that raises provocative questions and otters complex insights into the meanings behind the mysterious symbols in Washington.
528 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 5, 2008
I think there may have been something to this book, but it was very poorly organized, and the author seemed so married to his thesis that he was willing to stretch even the most innocuous of coincidences into evidence to support it, while glossing over, ignoring, or potentially distorting other facts.
There are a surprising number of Masons among the U.S.'s Founding Fathers, and much has been made of the arcane nature of other symbols within the US - such as the seal on the back of the dollar bill, or the fact that one can find a compass and square in the layout of the streets of Washington, DC.
Given its title, I was hoping this book would address that - and it did, to an extent. However, what I did not expect, and what I found, was a great deal of emphasis on astrology, and zodialogical symbolism - to the degree that I found the book both turgid and, at times, inaccessible.
Moreover, there seemed to be no accessible structure. Rather than proceeding with a logical argument, the book bounced from era to era and building to building and astrological event to astrological event all the while concurrently comparing French and English astrology to earlier Greek and Egyptian predecessors and trying to draw a line from Virgo to Isis to the Virgin Mary (an argument I buy, but which was so scattered within the book and confused with other astrological reference to Sirius (the dog star) and attempts to stomp out Egyptian references elsewhere as to do little more than confuse the matter.
Were that not enough, there were other areas where the author ignored the influence of historical events or used misleading language in order to support his thesis. Two that stood out were with regard to the building of the National Monument. The author places a great deal of emphasis on the alignment of the planets on the day that the monument was finished and the final point of the oblisk laid in place. He acknowledges that the building slowed for a while, but then gets back to the significance of the date that it was finished, and mentions congressional decrees surrounding the date and time as though it was planned specifically with the Masons in Congress and the final architect who also happened to be a Mason. NEVER anywhere in this description does he even mention the fact that the monument's construction stopped not just because of disagreements on the design and lack of funding, but ALSO BECAUSE THE CIVIL WAR INTERRUPTED THINGS A BIT.
Similarly, he spends numerous pages discussing George Washington's role of as a Mason. Following that, he immediately launches into the signing of the Declaration of Independence. "What must the Mason signing it have thought," he writes as though Washington were there among them rather than trying to keep his men warm at Valley Forge. For while Washington may have been a Mason, he most certainly was not among the signers and to imply otherwise is not just misleading but fundamentally poor historiography.
There were some interesting elements regarding symbolism of the laying of corner stones of the buildings and within the decorations and structures of the building themselves. But they really were far too buried in the author's reliance on astrology which I think distracted both from the text and any potential purpose in the book. An overview of symbolism and its significance, followed by an incorporation of the symbolism into the city, and nods to those in the city who were members of the fraternity would have made a much more readable, and even credible book than the one I read. Did the author find astrology to be of significance, it could've been incorporated as an appendix, or perhaps a text unto itself rather then trying to weave it into the body of this one.
There are a surprising number of Masons among the U.S.'s Founding Fathers, and much has been made of the arcane nature of other symbols within the US - such as the seal on the back of the dollar bill, or the fact that one can find a compass and square in the layout of the streets of Washington, DC.
Given its title, I was hoping this book would address that - and it did, to an extent. However, what I did not expect, and what I found, was a great deal of emphasis on astrology, and zodialogical symbolism - to the degree that I found the book both turgid and, at times, inaccessible.
Moreover, there seemed to be no accessible structure. Rather than proceeding with a logical argument, the book bounced from era to era and building to building and astrological event to astrological event all the while concurrently comparing French and English astrology to earlier Greek and Egyptian predecessors and trying to draw a line from Virgo to Isis to the Virgin Mary (an argument I buy, but which was so scattered within the book and confused with other astrological reference to Sirius (the dog star) and attempts to stomp out Egyptian references elsewhere as to do little more than confuse the matter.
Were that not enough, there were other areas where the author ignored the influence of historical events or used misleading language in order to support his thesis. Two that stood out were with regard to the building of the National Monument. The author places a great deal of emphasis on the alignment of the planets on the day that the monument was finished and the final point of the oblisk laid in place. He acknowledges that the building slowed for a while, but then gets back to the significance of the date that it was finished, and mentions congressional decrees surrounding the date and time as though it was planned specifically with the Masons in Congress and the final architect who also happened to be a Mason. NEVER anywhere in this description does he even mention the fact that the monument's construction stopped not just because of disagreements on the design and lack of funding, but ALSO BECAUSE THE CIVIL WAR INTERRUPTED THINGS A BIT.
Similarly, he spends numerous pages discussing George Washington's role of as a Mason. Following that, he immediately launches into the signing of the Declaration of Independence. "What must the Mason signing it have thought," he writes as though Washington were there among them rather than trying to keep his men warm at Valley Forge. For while Washington may have been a Mason, he most certainly was not among the signers and to imply otherwise is not just misleading but fundamentally poor historiography.
There were some interesting elements regarding symbolism of the laying of corner stones of the buildings and within the decorations and structures of the building themselves. But they really were far too buried in the author's reliance on astrology which I think distracted both from the text and any potential purpose in the book. An overview of symbolism and its significance, followed by an incorporation of the symbolism into the city, and nods to those in the city who were members of the fraternity would have made a much more readable, and even credible book than the one I read. Did the author find astrology to be of significance, it could've been incorporated as an appendix, or perhaps a text unto itself rather then trying to weave it into the body of this one.
January 15, 2009
Very disappointing. This book would have benefited from being half as long with twice as many applicable illustrations. Many illustrations are kind of pointless and don't help move the book along, and many important points are not illustrated at all. Not very much info on Masonry, aside from basic esoteric wisdom gained easily by studying astrology and the occult in general. The book skips around from topic to topic and building to building, and I can't count how many times the author starts to cover something fairly interesting and then says "more on that later". It's written in a circular style, hard to get a grasp on any one issue and follow the thread all the way through. Seems as if this was largely written simply to justify his meanderings around D.C., looking at every zodiac and statue possible to support his theory that the city is oriented toward Virgo both architecturally as well as symbolically. His theory is sound, and I agree that D.C. is designed to highlight Virgo and bring its energies in, but he could have "proved" this much more succinctly. Unless you are fascinated by D.C., this book won't hold your interest long. As an astrologer, I found it boring and it took forever to get through because it kept putting me to sleep! And as someone fascinated by the Masons, the book has almost no valuable information on them and is not worth reading to try to learn more. Many people are mentioned whose influence seems slight, and many stories are told that don't seem to tie in to the main gist of the book. It veers all over the place with anecdotes and history, but much of it is beside the point and just not interesting at all.
December 29, 2024
WAS THERE MASONIC INFLUENCE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Author David Ovason (who researches topics such as astrology, and Nostradamus) wrote in the first chapter of this 1999 book, “It seems… that history making and stellar mythologizing meet in the beginnings of Washington, D.C… It is a matter of historical fact … that there are more than 20 zodiacs in the center of the city: I know of no other city in the world with such a multitude of public zodiacs displayed in so small a space…The deeper meaning of the zodiacal symbolism which radiates through Washington, D.C., is so subtle that it has remained hidden even until today…
“This raises a number of vital questions. Is there some secret behind the efforts of the builders of this city to ensure that so many stars should fall to Earth? Why should astronomers and astrologers make so much effort to weave their magic art in this city? Furthermore, what is it about Washington D.C., that, in 200 years of colorful history, has made it the focus of zodiac builders, and, so far as arcane lapidary symbols are concerned, the richest city in the world? Could the zodiacs have been set in place to remind those who run the United States that the Spiritual World, which the light of the stars symbolizes, is all around, and may never be ignored with impunity? Or is it possible that the city is still embryonic---still secretly being prepared for some future time when the stars will be seen as the living mysteries they really are?” (Pg. 10-11)
He states, “In a rare book… Trithemius claimed that the era which had commenced in 1525… would come to an end in 1881. In this same year, a new era would begin under the control of the angel of the Sun… Far-reaching changes would result, for, in a previous age, the angel had been not only the … inventor of astronomy and astrology, but also of architecture---the very science in which Washington, D.C., had striven to excel from its foundation… Furthermore, it would be during the new Age of the Sun, which would begin in 1881, that the Jews would return to their homeland. It is quite certain that, because occultists were alert to the beginning of the new age, the year saw interesting changes in the history of esotericism and arcane movement… many leading occultists believed that the ancient Mysteries should no longer be reserved for the few, but should be made available to all who needed them.” (Pg. 30-31)
He asserts, “In the National Gallery… is a painting by Edward Savage… [which] shows George Washington and his family at their home… gathered around a table on which is spread a large map of the federal city… none of the family is paying much attention to the map… A careful examination of the picture reveals that its real meaning lies in the map… this bland-looking group portrait hides a great secret. The secret is so momentous that it has remained hidden until modern times, and its message may be understood only against a background knowledge of what happened in the years following the foundation of Washington, D.C., in 1791, under the direction of the Masons.” (Pg. 40-41)
He reports that “It was George Washington’s proclamation, dated March 30, 1791… which ordered that the ten-mile square marking the district should begin at Jones Point… It is this wise choice … that explains why the early maps of Washington, D.C., generally look like a bird’s nest of crisscross lines lodged in the cleft of a huge Y-shaped branch… Perhaps such Masons as Benjamin Franklin… would have recognized it as a form of what esotericists call ‘the Pythagorean Y’ … which represented all the dualities which the growing soul must bear with each passing moment of time… the southern pivot for this diamond shape was established on April 15, 1791… On that day… ‘the different Lodges of the town’ … made their way…. To the area intended as the birthplace of the federal city… It is highly likely that, among those who had participated in the surveying of this landscape prior to the ceremony, was… Benjamin Banneker, the mathematician and astronomer… I suspect that it is very unlikely that the founding of a new city could have been undertaken without his erecting a horoscope to determine a suitable time… Unfortunately, no such horoscope has survived… The lack of a horoscope should not disturb us, however: not a single document or contemporary record has survived this momentous event… the group---consisting mainly of Masons… proceeded to James Point, where the stone was to be laid… A few of the many Freemasons present at this ceremony would have been only too well aware [that they]… were initiating the building of a new city that would … eventually expand into the United States of America. It is quite clear that the ceremonial placing of the stone … was somehow linked to the future destiny of America itself.” (Pg. 47-49)
He notes, “we shall constantly be meeting the names of individuals who were deeply committed Masons, and we might be tempted to imagine that the federal city was little more than a center of Masonry. In fact, in terms of statistics, this would appear to be no more true for Washington, D.C., than for any other major town or city… it is scarcely surprising that the esoteric planning, design, and execution and rebuilding of the city should have fallen to the Masons… It has been reported---though, I suspect, with little justification---that 44 of the 56 signers of the Declaration on Independence were Masons. The very struggle for independence seems to have been directed by the Masonic brotherhood, and, some historians insist, had even been started by them.” (Pg. 75)
He adds, “It is possible that the story of [George] Washington as a Mason has been overtold: even so, more often than not the telling of his story in popular literature has been inaccurate in detail. Washington was initiated on November 4, 1752. Some historians have maintained that after his initiation, Washington showed little interest in Masonry, but this is completely untrue, as his surviving personal correspondence reveals. He was the first Master of the Alexandria Lodge No. 22… and was therefore Master when inaugurated president of the United States… He was buried with Masonic honors at Mount Vernon: with one exception, the pallbearers were members of his own Lodge… it was George Washington’s vision which guided the planning and early building of the federal city which later bore his name.” (Pg. 76)
He asks, “Is it possible that the urge to introduce an Egyptian flavor into the spiritual life of the country, and into the monument which marks the hub of its federal city, has a deeper connection? Could this be linked with… the pyramid on the Seal of the United States, which is now found on every dollar bill[?] From an arcane point of view, the answer is … affirmative: the only problem is that the design of this truncated pyramid is intimately bound up with the symbolism of the American eagle, which ALSO dominates the dollar bill…” (Pg. 151-152)
He argues, “if my thesis is correct---that is… if the arcane structure of Washington, D.C., WAS designed largely by members of the Masonic Brotherhood---then it is reasonable to expect that we should be able to trace Masonic symbols relating to the zodiacal sign of Virgo … there should be some account in Masonic literature that points to the sign’s arcane significance. I write these words with some diffidence, for the truth is that the Brotherhood… guards its secrets well… there are well-hidden secrets in the higher degrees.” (Pg. 171)
He asserts, “Next to George Washington, Benjamin Franklin was probably the most famous of all American Masons, and was deeply learned in Masonic and Rosicrucian symbolism. Undoubtedly, he would have known that the more intriguing symbolism of the seal was that on the reverse---the unfinished pyramid… It is curious that the truncated pyramid on the reverse of the Seal of the United States is rare in the vast array of sculptural details which embellish the city… there seems to be only one official reproduction of that particular pyramid in the city itself.” (Pg. 220-221) He continues, “while the eagle is everywhere in the city, the pyramid is obscured… the more one looks into this… the more obvious it becomes that there was some intention on the part of interested officials to ensure that the pyramid did NOT play an important part in the conscious symbolism of Washington, D.C.” (Pg. 225)
Of the three mottos, he explains, “The top motto ‘Annuit Coeptis consists of the obligatory 13 [letters]. However, the bottom motto, ‘Novus Ordo Seclorum, consists of 17 letters… if these are added to the 9 numerals in the Roman date, there is a total of 26. This means that the lower sets of letters and figures total 2 x 13. This simple numerology was certainly intentional…” (Pg. 236-237)
He summarizes, “the truth is that the arcane secret of Washington, D.C., is deeply involved with the simple geometric form of a triangle.” (Pg. 240) He also notes, “It is … true that, in the 20th century, a great many of the houses and markers which bordered on Pennsylvania Avenue have been pulled down to make way for offices and archives. Yet there should be no reason why the unimpeded ‘reciprocal’ view between Capitol and White House, planned with such care … should not have been preserved to our own day." (Pg. 316)
He concludes, “I did not at first intend this book to be an account of the influence of Masons on the building of Washington, D.C. When… I began my researches… my interest lay in the stellar wisdom of the zodiacs I encountered in … the city… I am not a Mason… My book is a footnote to the story of Washington, D.C., and anyone who wishes to check … my ideas need only do what I have done, and examine the city itself.” (Pg. 351-353)
Anyone interested in the ‘esoteric’ interpretations of such symbols will probably love this very detailed book.
Author David Ovason (who researches topics such as astrology, and Nostradamus) wrote in the first chapter of this 1999 book, “It seems… that history making and stellar mythologizing meet in the beginnings of Washington, D.C… It is a matter of historical fact … that there are more than 20 zodiacs in the center of the city: I know of no other city in the world with such a multitude of public zodiacs displayed in so small a space…The deeper meaning of the zodiacal symbolism which radiates through Washington, D.C., is so subtle that it has remained hidden even until today…
“This raises a number of vital questions. Is there some secret behind the efforts of the builders of this city to ensure that so many stars should fall to Earth? Why should astronomers and astrologers make so much effort to weave their magic art in this city? Furthermore, what is it about Washington D.C., that, in 200 years of colorful history, has made it the focus of zodiac builders, and, so far as arcane lapidary symbols are concerned, the richest city in the world? Could the zodiacs have been set in place to remind those who run the United States that the Spiritual World, which the light of the stars symbolizes, is all around, and may never be ignored with impunity? Or is it possible that the city is still embryonic---still secretly being prepared for some future time when the stars will be seen as the living mysteries they really are?” (Pg. 10-11)
He states, “In a rare book… Trithemius claimed that the era which had commenced in 1525… would come to an end in 1881. In this same year, a new era would begin under the control of the angel of the Sun… Far-reaching changes would result, for, in a previous age, the angel had been not only the … inventor of astronomy and astrology, but also of architecture---the very science in which Washington, D.C., had striven to excel from its foundation… Furthermore, it would be during the new Age of the Sun, which would begin in 1881, that the Jews would return to their homeland. It is quite certain that, because occultists were alert to the beginning of the new age, the year saw interesting changes in the history of esotericism and arcane movement… many leading occultists believed that the ancient Mysteries should no longer be reserved for the few, but should be made available to all who needed them.” (Pg. 30-31)
He asserts, “In the National Gallery… is a painting by Edward Savage… [which] shows George Washington and his family at their home… gathered around a table on which is spread a large map of the federal city… none of the family is paying much attention to the map… A careful examination of the picture reveals that its real meaning lies in the map… this bland-looking group portrait hides a great secret. The secret is so momentous that it has remained hidden until modern times, and its message may be understood only against a background knowledge of what happened in the years following the foundation of Washington, D.C., in 1791, under the direction of the Masons.” (Pg. 40-41)
He reports that “It was George Washington’s proclamation, dated March 30, 1791… which ordered that the ten-mile square marking the district should begin at Jones Point… It is this wise choice … that explains why the early maps of Washington, D.C., generally look like a bird’s nest of crisscross lines lodged in the cleft of a huge Y-shaped branch… Perhaps such Masons as Benjamin Franklin… would have recognized it as a form of what esotericists call ‘the Pythagorean Y’ … which represented all the dualities which the growing soul must bear with each passing moment of time… the southern pivot for this diamond shape was established on April 15, 1791… On that day… ‘the different Lodges of the town’ … made their way…. To the area intended as the birthplace of the federal city… It is highly likely that, among those who had participated in the surveying of this landscape prior to the ceremony, was… Benjamin Banneker, the mathematician and astronomer… I suspect that it is very unlikely that the founding of a new city could have been undertaken without his erecting a horoscope to determine a suitable time… Unfortunately, no such horoscope has survived… The lack of a horoscope should not disturb us, however: not a single document or contemporary record has survived this momentous event… the group---consisting mainly of Masons… proceeded to James Point, where the stone was to be laid… A few of the many Freemasons present at this ceremony would have been only too well aware [that they]… were initiating the building of a new city that would … eventually expand into the United States of America. It is quite clear that the ceremonial placing of the stone … was somehow linked to the future destiny of America itself.” (Pg. 47-49)
He notes, “we shall constantly be meeting the names of individuals who were deeply committed Masons, and we might be tempted to imagine that the federal city was little more than a center of Masonry. In fact, in terms of statistics, this would appear to be no more true for Washington, D.C., than for any other major town or city… it is scarcely surprising that the esoteric planning, design, and execution and rebuilding of the city should have fallen to the Masons… It has been reported---though, I suspect, with little justification---that 44 of the 56 signers of the Declaration on Independence were Masons. The very struggle for independence seems to have been directed by the Masonic brotherhood, and, some historians insist, had even been started by them.” (Pg. 75)
He adds, “It is possible that the story of [George] Washington as a Mason has been overtold: even so, more often than not the telling of his story in popular literature has been inaccurate in detail. Washington was initiated on November 4, 1752. Some historians have maintained that after his initiation, Washington showed little interest in Masonry, but this is completely untrue, as his surviving personal correspondence reveals. He was the first Master of the Alexandria Lodge No. 22… and was therefore Master when inaugurated president of the United States… He was buried with Masonic honors at Mount Vernon: with one exception, the pallbearers were members of his own Lodge… it was George Washington’s vision which guided the planning and early building of the federal city which later bore his name.” (Pg. 76)
He asks, “Is it possible that the urge to introduce an Egyptian flavor into the spiritual life of the country, and into the monument which marks the hub of its federal city, has a deeper connection? Could this be linked with… the pyramid on the Seal of the United States, which is now found on every dollar bill[?] From an arcane point of view, the answer is … affirmative: the only problem is that the design of this truncated pyramid is intimately bound up with the symbolism of the American eagle, which ALSO dominates the dollar bill…” (Pg. 151-152)
He argues, “if my thesis is correct---that is… if the arcane structure of Washington, D.C., WAS designed largely by members of the Masonic Brotherhood---then it is reasonable to expect that we should be able to trace Masonic symbols relating to the zodiacal sign of Virgo … there should be some account in Masonic literature that points to the sign’s arcane significance. I write these words with some diffidence, for the truth is that the Brotherhood… guards its secrets well… there are well-hidden secrets in the higher degrees.” (Pg. 171)
He asserts, “Next to George Washington, Benjamin Franklin was probably the most famous of all American Masons, and was deeply learned in Masonic and Rosicrucian symbolism. Undoubtedly, he would have known that the more intriguing symbolism of the seal was that on the reverse---the unfinished pyramid… It is curious that the truncated pyramid on the reverse of the Seal of the United States is rare in the vast array of sculptural details which embellish the city… there seems to be only one official reproduction of that particular pyramid in the city itself.” (Pg. 220-221) He continues, “while the eagle is everywhere in the city, the pyramid is obscured… the more one looks into this… the more obvious it becomes that there was some intention on the part of interested officials to ensure that the pyramid did NOT play an important part in the conscious symbolism of Washington, D.C.” (Pg. 225)
Of the three mottos, he explains, “The top motto ‘Annuit Coeptis consists of the obligatory 13 [letters]. However, the bottom motto, ‘Novus Ordo Seclorum, consists of 17 letters… if these are added to the 9 numerals in the Roman date, there is a total of 26. This means that the lower sets of letters and figures total 2 x 13. This simple numerology was certainly intentional…” (Pg. 236-237)
He summarizes, “the truth is that the arcane secret of Washington, D.C., is deeply involved with the simple geometric form of a triangle.” (Pg. 240) He also notes, “It is … true that, in the 20th century, a great many of the houses and markers which bordered on Pennsylvania Avenue have been pulled down to make way for offices and archives. Yet there should be no reason why the unimpeded ‘reciprocal’ view between Capitol and White House, planned with such care … should not have been preserved to our own day." (Pg. 316)
He concludes, “I did not at first intend this book to be an account of the influence of Masons on the building of Washington, D.C. When… I began my researches… my interest lay in the stellar wisdom of the zodiacs I encountered in … the city… I am not a Mason… My book is a footnote to the story of Washington, D.C., and anyone who wishes to check … my ideas need only do what I have done, and examine the city itself.” (Pg. 351-353)
Anyone interested in the ‘esoteric’ interpretations of such symbols will probably love this very detailed book.
January 23, 2008
interesting take on possible connections between the architecture and design of DC and astrological influences. the author jumps to some conclusions that seem half-baked, but overall, a very interesting history on the building of DC and the influence of Freemasons on the same. turns out Slater from Dazed & Confused was right - many of our founding fathers were in a "cult" - which was connected to the back of the dollar bill and the freaky business going on there.
October 15, 2020
It sounds very "Dan Brown", but Ovason makes a persuasive case that Washington DC was designed by Freemasons (including George Washington himself) to encode a secret message in the architecture of its key buildings and monuments, and even the layout of its streets, especially the Federal Triangle of Capitol, White House, and Washington Monument. If you've spent time like me walking this area (or plan to visit sometime soon) this book may open your eyes to a hidden story.
August 17, 2024
I had a very hard time following the treatise and theses in this book. The emphasis is on the zodiacal influence in Washington, D.C. and related Masonic influence.
December 1, 2025
Great context of the history of DC and interesting ties to astrology, but a little too much astrology for me.
April 29, 2020
Diagrams and discussions are terrible but the Notes and Bibliography to me are priceless.
August 5, 2016
If you decide to make an attempt to read this book, it is worth the time to invest in reading the bibliographical references for each chapter. I would recommend reading each designated footnote as you go. Otherwise, I am not sure one can gain a good understanding of the author's viewpoint and the research behind it. I'll admit it has taken me longer than anticipated to read, but it was worth it. I would not recommend this book for everyone, but for those who have a genuine interest in the history of Washington D.C.'s physical development and ties to astrological symbolism dating back to ancient civilizations.
September 23, 2012
... This book is beautifully written. While he would seem to be rambling at times, the author swiftly ties everything together at the poetic climax. While the reader will be exposed to an array of topics and information on the occult, the esoteric and the arcane, much background information is given. The book contains an expansive appendix.
Read the entire review here: http://boldbookworm.com/s063011.html
~ BB
http://boldbookworm.com
Read the entire review here: http://boldbookworm.com/s063011.html
~ BB
http://boldbookworm.com
March 18, 2020
I finished this book but to be honest I scanned a lot. The research is very detailed and well thought out but there is a lot of what and not why. Why did the planners of DC use so much astrological inspiration for the layout and architecture of the city? What does it mean for the city, for Americans, and what hidden messages does it convey? Why should we care? I gave it two stars because it's well researched.
June 29, 2010
Certainly a book to be read in parts. Interesting in purpose, strange in method and quite intriguing. Best read as morsels of interesting fact to think about. I can't imagine a soul trying to read it as a novel. It would have been AMAZING with more illustations to bring his points to life and about half the pages.
July 30, 2008
This book was ok. I didn't hold my interest as much as I would have thought.
July 28, 2010
Good read for those that understand the history of our nation and what went into building our country.
November 11, 2012
I've bought and given away this book three times! I need to buy it again! Fascinating! And ten years in the making.
November 23, 2010
Interesting. I no longer think that Mason's are a cult trying to take over the world.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews