In Freemasonry in Context: History, Ritual, Controversy editors Arturo de Hoyos and S. Brent Morris feature work by renown Masonic scholars. Essays explore the rich and often times controversial events that comprise the cultural and social history of Freemasonry.

This study considers the institution of Freemasonry from the point of view of both masons and their critics, as well as from the author's own. In the first section, it gives an outline of masonic history, from the foundation of the Grand Lodge in Covent Garden in 1717 through its major role in Enlightenment Europe and the American War of Independence, its many tribulations and schisms in the 19th century to the present day. The book looks at one of the main sources of masonic history, Anderson's "Constitutions", which documents masonic practice and the masons' mythical history back to Hiram Abiff, the first Master Mason in the reign of King Solomon.

Thomas Dunckerley is a late eighteenth-century icon of British Freemasonry. In one of the first books to provide a scholarly study of English Freemasonry, Sommers uses Dunckerley’s case to examine the changeable nature of personal identity in the eighteenth century and the evolving methodology and expectations of biography.

The Catholic Catechism on Freemasonry: A Theological and Historical Treatment on the Catholic Church’s Prohibition Against Freemasonry and its Appendant Masonic Bodies contextualizes the history and provides a theological analysis and commentary on the nine Papal documents, two Canon Laws, and two documents issued by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, which relate specifically to the Catholic Church’s dogmatic prohibition against Freemasonry. This book departs from the traditional apologetic approach to explain the Catholic Church’s prohibition against Freemasonry to better examine it in a thorough, comprehensive, theological, and historical context. This book is well researched and referenced, and written only how a person with an extensive and high-level experience with Freemasonry and an academic background in history and Catholic theology could have written it. In addition to this rare look behind the theological and political arguments that the Catholic Church has made against Freemasonry and its appendant Masonic Bodies since Pope Clement’s Papal Bull In Eminenti in 1738, this catechism also answers such questions as: What are the Catholic Roots of Freemasonry? What is the Structure of Freemasonry? Is Freemasonry a Religion? What are the Core Principals of Freemasonry? What is the Masonic Legend of Hiram Abiff? Which Popes were Freemasons? Why were Haydn and Mozart Freemasons? What Role did Freemasons Play during the European and American Revolutions? What is the Relationship between Protestantism, Freemasonry, Communism, and Homosexualism? To what Degree did Freemasonry Influence the Creation of the Novus Ordo Rite? How did the Freemasons and their Ideological Allies in the Catholic Church (i.e. the Masonic lobby) work to remove the word ‘Masonic’ from the 1983 Code of Canon Law? Are Catholics who belong to the Masonic Order Excommunicated?

Following the appointment of its first aristocratic Grand Masters in the 1720s and in the wake of its connections to the scientific Enlightenment, 'Free and Accepted' Masonry became part of Britain's national profile and the largest and most influential of Britain's extensive clubs and societies. The organisation did not evolve naturally from the mediaeval guilds and religious orders that pre-dated it but was reconfigured radically by a largely self-appointed inner core at London's most influential lodge, the Horn Tavern. Freemasonry became a vehicle for the expression of their philosophical and political views, and the 'Craft' attracted an aspirational membership across the upper middling and gentry. Through an examination of previously unexplored primary documentation, Foundations contributes to an understanding of contemporary English political and social culture and explores how Freemasonry became a mechanism that promoted the interests of the Hanoverian establishment and connected the metropolitan and provincial elites. The book explores social networks centred on the aristocracy, parliament, the learned and professional societies, and the magistracy, and provides pen portraits of the key individuals who spread the Masonic message. Foundations and Schism (Sussex Academic, 2013), have been described as 'the most important books on English Freemasonry published in recent times', providing 'a precise, social context for the invention of English Freemasonry'. Berman's analysis throws a new and original light on the formation and development of what rapidly became a national and international phenomenon.

True masonic orders talk about the masonic fraternity and the impact they have made in america history.

The Hidden Legacy: Unveiling the Rise of Freemasons" is a captivating exploration into one of the world's most enigmatic secret societies. Freemasonry, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, has captured the imagination of countless individuals throughout history. From its ancient origins to its influence on world events, this book takes readers on an illuminating journey through the hidden corridors of Freemasonry. In this comprehensive and meticulously researched work, we delve into the origins of Freemasonry, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Babylon. We uncover the symbolism embedded within Masonic rituals, deciphering their hidden meanings and shedding light on the symbolism's significance in the Masonic brotherhood. The book reveals the secrets of Masonic lodges, the epicenters of Masonic activity. These sanctuaries of knowledge and fraternity have served as gathering places for Freemasons, where they have shared wisdom, engaged in intellectual discourse, and strengthened their bonds of brotherhood. As we explore the rise of Freemasonry, we encounter its profound impact on history and society. From the Age of Enlightenment, where Freemasonry played a pivotal role in promoting rationality and scientific progress, to the American Revolution, where Freemasons contributed to the birth of a nation, the influence of this secret society is both far-reaching and intriguing. "The Hidden Legacy" also shines a light on the role of women in Freemasonry. Traditionally an all-male fraternity, we explore the evolution of Freemasonry's stance on gender inclusion and the emergence of female-led Masonic orders, breaking the long-held barriers within the brotherhood. Throughout the pages of this book, we encounter the famous Freemasons who have left an indelible mark on history. From influential leaders and intellectuals to renowned artists and musicians, their membership in the brotherhood shaped their lives and legacies. However, no exploration of Freemasonry is complete without addressing the controversies and conspiracy theories surrounding this secretive organization. We delve into the most pervasive myths and examine the evidence, allowing readers to separate fact from fiction and draw their conclusions. "The Hidden Legacy: Unveiling the Rise of Freemasons" aims to provide a balanced and informative account of Freemasonry, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of this enigmatic fraternity. By peeling back the layers of secrecy, we invite readers to explore the multifaceted world of Freemasonry and gain insight into its historical significance, influence on society, and enduring legacy.

Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most widespread voluntary organisations in the world. Over the course of three centuries men (and women) have organized themselves socially and voluntarily under its name. With a strong sense of liberation, moral enlightenment, cosmopolitan openness and forward-looking philanthropy, freemasonry has attracted some of the sharpest minds in history and has created a strong platform for nascent civil societies across the globe. With the secrecy of internally communicated knowledge, the clandestine character of organization, and the enactment of rituals and the elaborate use of symbols, freemasonry has also opened up feelings of distrust, as well as allegations of secretiveness and conspiracy. This Very Short Introduction introduces the inner activities of freemasonry, and the rituals, symbols and practices. Looking at the development of the organizational structure of masonry from the local to the global level, Andreas Önnerfors considers perceptions of freemasonry from the outside world, and navigates through the prevalent fictions and conspiracy theories. He also discusses how freemasonry has from its outset struggled with issues of exclusion based upon gender, race and religion, despite promoting tolerant openness and inclusion. Finally Önnerfors shines a light on the rarely discussed but highly compelling history of female agency in masonic and para-masonic orders. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.