Genesis of Freemasonry

by David Harrison

This book is a revealing but thoroughly enjoyable journey through the intricate history of English Freemasonry. Historian Dr David Harrison reconstructs the hidden history of the movement, tracing its roots through a mixture of mediaeval guild societies, alchemy and necromancy. He examines the earliest known Freemasons and their obsessions with Solomon''s Temple, alchemy and prophecy to the formation of the Grand Lodge in London, which in turn led to rebellions within the Craft throughout England, especially in York and with the formation of the antients. Harrison also analyses the role of French immigrant Dr Jean Theophilus Desaguliers in the development of English Freemasonry, focussing on his involvement with the formation of the mysterious modern Masonic ritual. All Freemasons and more general readers will find much of interest in this fascinating exploration of the very beginnings of Freemasonry, still one of the most mysterious brotherhoods in the world.

Genres: Occult

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2009

Reviews

[Roger Mcbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Genesis of Freemasonry is a fantastic book, well worth a read, especially if your into the history of Freemasonry - or just into history. It concentrates on how the society was formed, its influences (magic, necromancy and early science), it looks at how Freemasonry was influenced by architecture, especially Solomon's Temple, and looks at some famous historical Freemasons such as Sir Christopher Wren and Alexander Pope. It also explains the history of the secret Masonic ritual. I would highly recomend it.

[Philip Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you David Harrison for the incredible detective work required to compile this masterwork, uncovering many a twist and secreted turn, set deep within the bowels of history, to bring into the light a refreshing and invigorating insights of Freemasonry and how it has taken shape, going back to biblical times. The artist, David Harrison's pallet of many colours, hues and tones, bring to the reader an upstanding and honest account of such a colourful history which makes for the most compelling reading.

[Helena Esteves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though not a Freemason, I've been having some intelectual curiosity about the craft, due to key historical cities of my home country (Sintra and Tomar, Portugal) and their relationship with what many people call as "hidden knowledge". 'Genesis of Freemasonry' is a great book to start, as it sheds light on its roots (Solomon temple, science and the search for lost knowledge). This is why I think this is also the perfect book to read after Umberto Eco's 'Name of the Rose', where we take a look at history, as well as helps us reflect on the foundations of our own intelectual curiosity on secret societies.

This is the second David Harrison's book I had contact with, having first read 'Lost Rites and Rituals of Freemasonry', which comes as a follow up of 'Genesis of Freemasonry'. This one I also strongly advise, as it focuses more on the rites that emerged during the 18th century and how they might have left their remnants on Freemasonry today.

Overall I find Harrison's approach fair, balanced and unbiased, where learning about Freemason history is a chance to have a sharper look at our surrounding environment and also ourselves.

[Nena Lamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life changing if you are a Freemasonry enthusiast. It has lots of sources and references to continue on reading, yet it is down to earth and quite shocking at times! I definitely recommend it! It was the author's doctoral thesis so it passed academic reviews.

[Erik Eakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book by Brother David Harrison. I recommend this book as well as anything written by him. He is a true Mason and a true scholar. Love it!

[Mevi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's masterpiece!

I love this book!

[Shpresa Rafuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ITS WONDERFUL BOOK!

[Zagor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book since it enters the arena of the dispute about the genesis of Freemasonry with an uncompromisingly cold-headed, down-to-earth & objective point of view. The material written inside deals with empirical facts, and facts only. It does not represent some ideological viewpoint, which can be seen among various masonic historians. I also like his logical approach towards some unknown parts of the history of Freemasonry e. g. Newton never being recorded as a Mason, yet he studied the architectural layout of Solomon's Temple with great zeal, which could point out that he easily could have been a brother. Although this is a good example, there are other places where the use of simple logic fails us, since some of the brethren of the past were highly illogical on occasions.

As for the rituals, well I do have an intuitive feeling that it did pass from something older, as there is some "logic" behind that as well, and there are some interesting points that Lomas & Knight make. But at the end of the day, I believe that Freemasonry is largely more original, than copied from some older source, primarily because of Desagulier's work on it.

[Revjps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. David Harrison’s book, The Genesis of Freemasonry, is a seminal work on English Freemasonry. It is well researched, well written and very much readable for the layman. The books traces English Freemasonry from as far back as Dr. Harrison could trace. Unlike other Masonic histories, he doesn’t attempt to pass of myth as history, rather he stays with facts that can be verified. This adds much to the credibility of this work. Dr. Harrison weaves a mixture of Masonic and English history, demonstrating how both have influence each other. This is a must read for any English or American Freemason. It is also a must read for anyone who enjoys history and has a curious mind.

[Ataegina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book about the origins of Freemasonry. Yet it has some errors and some chapters are quite boring, with an exaggerated number of names, dates and facts that seem a bit off point and even repetitive. On the other hand, it gives a good overall view of Masonic symbolism and myths in general.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that is well written and thoroughly researched .....an absolute credit to the work and dedication of David Harrison.

A must for anyone who has an interest in history and the true beginnings of this fascinating society....definately my book of 2009!

[Philip Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Genesis of Freemasonry by Dr. David Harrison is warmly recommended to both the seasoned historian and the inquisitive reader, being an authoritative, well-written and refreshing analysis of how Freemasonry arose from and fed into The Enlightenment Project.
In doing so, Freemasonry complemented The Royal Society’s empirical approach to Natural Philosophy, providing an independent forum where metaphysical subjects might also be freely explored.
Dr. Harrison looks at the politics, tensions and intellectual passions of the day, together with those individual personalities colouring the ritual and organisation of the Craft, creating a peculiar and optimistic philosophy which soon fired the imagination of the world.
In The Genesis of Freemasonry Dr. Harrison debunks several common myths and misconceptions, while detailing a wealth of little-known episodes in the history of the Craft. He provides an insightful study of the evolution of Freemasonry from its rudimentary operative origins, to the establishment of the premier grand lodge, and onto to the rise of and reconciliation with rival grand lodges.

[D Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books on the subject which has changed the way Freemasonry is understood. The book approaches subjects as complex and prone to sensationalism as are Freemasonry and esotericism with academic rigour whilst at the same being accesible and enjoyable to read. Understanding Elias Ashmole helps us understand the essence of what Freemasonry is and Harrison does a superb job unveiling such an enigmatic and interesting figure. A must for Freemasons wishing to learn more about their Craft and non Freemasons alike.

[Mehreme Rafuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the origins of Freemasonry!

[Magic Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Dr David Harrison, and was the culmination of his PhD work which he gained from the University of Liverpool in 2008. The work is an excellent analysis of the origins and development of English Freemasonry, looking at all the philosophies that were popular during the seventeenth century, such as alchemy, natural philosophy, the Cambridge Platonists, the cult of architecture, all of which filtered into Freemasonry, influencing it and forging it into a modern society.
It is an excellent effort, and is fully referenced, includes photographs and illustrations and has a bibliography to point to further reading. The book is followed by The Transformation of Freemasonry.