Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance

by W. Kirk MacNulty

Book Overview

The Craft, with an estimated four million Freemasons worldwide, remains the largest fraternal organization in the world. Written by an active Freemason, this book comprehensively explains Freemasonry through its fascinating visual culture, rich in mysterious and arcane symbols of life, death, and morality that have evolved over centuries of secrecy and that have profound philosophical meaning.

Ceremonial regalia, paintings, manuscripts, tracing...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0500513023
• ISBN13: 9780500513026
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 3.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 9.0" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

What they don't understand

I was originally on the fence as to whether I was going to purchase this book or not, but it was the negative reviews which finally sold it to me. During my short 34 years on the earth, I have seen over and over again that the less people understand something, the more they will try to degrade it, and based on the ignorant opinions stated, I assumed it must be a wonderful book. It is true that the book is mostly pictures. That is because the entirety of Freemasonry is based on symbolism. MacNulty doesn't give the "deep hidden meanings" behind the symbols because except for a general description given at the time of initiation, it is up to the individual to formulate his own meanings behind the symbols. This is an excellent book which gives a concise, accurate history of Freemasonry and an astounding library of paintings and photos.

An absolutely beautiful Book

As a Master Mason living in a country where Masonry doesn't publicly exist (China), I am always trying to find ties and ways to reenforce the Masonic learning I had when I was raised. This book is not the greatest for in-depth research, but is very comprehensive and, I feel, well organized. But that's not a reason to buy it. This is a cofee table book with lavish photography and illustrations that make it worth every penny of its purchase price. Illustrations included in this book are very comprehensive and is a great centerpiece for any masonic library.

Review from a life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society.

This is a great introduction to the WORLD (Caps added for emphasis) of Freemasonry written in plain language for the Mason and Non-Mason. The full color/black and white pictures are excellent. Brother MacNulty is a loyal Man of the Craft and shares some of his cherised thoughts about the Craft with you within the pages of this book but he is careful not to spoon feed deep esoteric knowledge about the Craft because the Craft is not designed for babies. THE CRAFT IS DESIGNED FOR MEN. We Masons will guide you and give you the tools you need to find the ultimate answers for yourself, AS A MAN! Brother MacNulty is one of the brightest Masonic stars to come out from the state of Virginia. And like me, he is a member of both American and British Freemasonry. The knowledge resulting in his dual membership is reflected in this excellent book. Read "Freemasonry; A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol, also by Brother MacNulty, for a deeper understanding of the Craft. And finally, read "The Way of The Craftsman", also by Brother MacNulty, if you are a Master Mason interested in the ESOTERIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRAFT. I could say more to address the funny anti-masons but will not because that would be spoon feeding.

Freemasonry:Symbols, Secrets, Significance

I would recommend this publication to particularily any new Mason or someone considering applying, as being the most complete overview of the brotherhood of Masonry I have found. It would also certainly be beneficial to some of those who have been in Masonry for awhile as a "rusty nail training" piece. The pictures and diagrams included in it are excellent quality accurately describing the rich heritage of the society. While it explains very well historical operative masonry to modern day speculative practice the author is careful to preserve the secrets within the degrees.

Freemasonry Enlightened

I am a Master Mason and also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason so feel qualified to give an opinion, recognizing that other may not share my viewpoint. Masonry is not for everybody, but this book goes a long way to tell the story in a manner that many non-Mason's can understand. There is very little these days that is "secret" and our Lodge is very open, even having its installations open to the public. I concur that Masonry is not a religion, but it does reinforce my Christian beliefs, as well as those other religions we have in our Lodge. This is a good book, not perfect, but well worth having and reading. I am enjoying reliving much of what I learned along the way and seeing how Masons around the globe work. I recommend this book to those wanting to know more about this great Fraternity, home to many generations of Americans, including a large number of our founding Fathers.