Born in Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry

by John J. Robinson

Book Overview

Lively...illuminating. A refreshing example of scholarly detective work.--Kirkus Reviews

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0871316021
• ISBN13: 9780871316028
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: M. Evans and Company
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Very entertaining and informative

I enjoyed reading "Born in Blood" tremendously. A lot of fascinating historical details recounted in a lively and entertaining style, mixed with just the right amount of wit and quality humor. Maybe at times the author is not very focused, but his gift for story-telling makes up for sometimes carrying the reader across several related topics before returning to the main track. While some of the conclusions and suggestions launched are not only interesting as ideas in themselves but also well-grounded and quite plausible, a few of the associations proposed between Masonic symbolism and its origins/explanations are highly speculative and therefore quite improbable, but always within the boundaries of common sense and dispassionate, genuine interest in the subject. Even though the author is not a Mason, I think he is sometimes (very) slightly biased in favor of Masonry, and maybe a little too harsh on some of the past errors (historically true, as they are) of the Catholic Church.Excellent reading, by the time you finish it you will have learned not only a lot more about Freemasonry, but also quite a few fascinating facts of European medieval history.

Insightful, Interesting, and Exciting

In Born In Blood, Robinson examines the origins of Freemasonry as he tackles long held ideas and proposes new ones.Robinson began his work intending to write about the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 but then he began to wonder if some kind of organization, such as a secret society was behind this plot all along. This idea led him to research the downfall of the Knights Templar in part of the book and later the rise of Freemasonry in the other half.Freemasonry's legendary origins are based on the guilds of stone masons of Europe, however "Born in Blood" tackles these long held ideas and makes counter arguments that Freemasonry may have instead grown out of the Knights Templar.Robinson draws many highly researched parallels in history, ritual, and practice between the ancient Knights Templar and past and modern Freemasonry which go way beyond the area of mere coincidence. Such as how Masonic dress, oaths, and practices have direct links back to the Knights Templar. While at the same time pointing out obvious facts in history, such as both groups are the only two in the world that claim King Solomon's Temple as their birthplace. In closing, Robinson deals with a few falsehoods created by Anti-Masonic people and groups such as Jim Shaw and his book "The Brotherhood". Robinson quickly debunks their claims and points out them as being erroneous and clearly false.Born in Blood is well researched, interesting, and even entertaining. After publishing his work, Robinson went on to become a Freemason himself and was later honored for his historical contributions to Freemasonry.

High-Degree Recommendation

I have been deeply immersed in the study of Masonry, since 1991, via books. I have enjoyed studying the History of the organization and I have many books by and about Freemasons, lining my shelves. I purchased a copy of this book before several High-Degree Freemasons recommended "Born in Blood" to me, along with books by Mackey, Manly P. Hall and all the Greats of the Fraternal Order, prior to by becoming a member of the Honorable Fraternity. Personally, if these High-Degree Masons had not recommended the book ("Born in Blood"), I would still count it as one of my favorite books of all time (I have read voraciously all of my life). I could not put this book down....nor could I put "Dungeon Fire And Sword" (Robinson) down....or, "A Pilgrim's Path." (Robinson). My copy of "Born in Blood" and the other John J. Robinson books are proudly on display, next to "The History of Freemasonry" (Mackey) & "A New Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry" (Waite) on my Masonic Research bookshelf. I highly recommend Robinson's books to anyone interested in The Craft, or in the history of the world. I find his writing absolutely fascinating and exciting...and I love the way he ends chapters! Note: I loved this book & "A Pilgrim's Path" so much that I joined the FM and took my first degree in June. For those who do not know, this is a RE-WRITE of my original review, written last year. I had to fix a couple of things in my review, by deleting a few lines. Additionally, I have learned that John J. Robinson received the 33rd degree, in Freemasonry, because of his research and involvement with the organization. His research led him to the same conclusion, that it led me.... Where do I sign-up? "Born in Blood" earned Robinson the 33 and paved the way for the current wave of Masonic Education.

A Great Piece of History of a Great Organization

This book is an excellent read. Mr. Robinson is a historian but writes like a first-rate novelist. The first half of the book is a definite page turner. And the second half, is great in that he gives you the progression of Freemasonry and some information dispelling the out and out attacks by anti-masons. He sets the record straight. THIS BOOK MADE ME WANT TO BE A FREEMASON! And I'm proud to be one.