The History of Freemasonry: Its Legendary Origins

The History of Freemasonry: Its Legendary Origins
by Albert Mackey

The History of Freemasonry: Its Legendary Origins
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Book Summary Information

Author: Albert Mackey
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-06-07
ISBN: 0517149826
Number of pages: 480
Publisher: Gramercy

Book Reviews of The History of Freemasonry: Its Legendary Origins

Book Review: A Serious Work for Scholars of Freemasonry
Summary: 5 Stars

Mackey was a doctor, the son of a wealthy family in Charleston, SC in the nineteenth century. He practiced medicine briefly, then dedicated himself to Masonic research. This work is only somewhat dated, given that Freemasonry is a relatively stable cultural and sociological phenomenon. Still, some historiographical, archival and archeological work accomplished since his day has corrected some of his views (these defects are less found in his Encyclopedia).

The value of his work lies in the fact that he explores, in forty-four chapters, numerous myths about the origins of Freemasonry, concluding at the end of each chapter that no single theory is sufficient to explain the history of the Royal Art or that many of the theories are pure fabrications. He does not make any definite conclusions about its ultimate origins, leaving the reader to agree with professor Frances Yates who stated in her book The Rosicrucian Enlightenment (Routledge Classics) that Freemsonry's origins are a "mystery wrapped in an enigma".

Summary of The History of Freemasonry: Its Legendary Origins

The fraternal order of Freemasons has been a mysterious organization since its origins centuries ago. Many historical figures such as Voltaire, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin were Freemasons and made the society all the more intriguing. This classic text illuminates the society's origins as well as the philosophical and ritual foundations on which it is built. Readers can explore the mythical tales about Freemasonry and learn how they relate to the historical truth. Included are excerpts from rare sacred documents along with explanations of their significance, plus black and white illustrations.

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