Reviews (85)

Born In William Wallace's Blood
If you enjoyed the movie Braveheart (the 1997 film epic based on the life of Sir. William Wallace, perhaps Scotland's greatest hero and most significant historical figure) you'll enjoy the first part of this book. William Wallace and Scotland's 13th century Peasant's Rebellion is the stuff of great legend, and John J. Robinson's Born in Blood (as well as Braveheart)immortalizes the legend and the man.
A fascinating book
This is a fascinating and well researched book - not only on the subject of the Freemasons, but also on the evolution of government from the feudal system into modern democracy. Author John J. Robinson (a non-mason), provides an un-biased history of the Freemasons and those who have sought to oppress or slander them throughout the centuries.

Second part is better
The book is a bit of a tough read during the first half, which discusses the Knights Templar.Great info, but a challenge to read without wanting to skip a page or two every now and then.The second half regarding the Freemansons is very interesting and eye opening.I would by the book alone for the Fremason section. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. Freemasons    3. General    4. Great Britain    5. History    6. History - General History    7. Religious Cults    8. Rituals    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Templars    12. Freemasonry & secret societies    13. History / General   

Reviews (29)

A light-hearted, yet thoroughly informative text on Freemasonry
Having read many texts on this subject this one does a commendable job filtering out the less than useful volumes of information on the workings of Freemasonry. It covers a broad range of areas from history, myths, symbolism and personal experiences. It include information on how to join, what to expect and where Freemasonry is heading.
Reader beware
Would have been a better book if the author had stuck to the subject of Freemasonry instead of spreading misinformation about the OTO.The author does a disservice to the reader who might not know any better, as well to the many fine Masons who enjoy membership in both Freemasonry and the OTO.Perhaps if he had spoken to one of these Brothers some of his misconceptions might have been corrected and I would encourage the Brother to consider interviewing a few Masons who are also OTO members for any subsequent editions or other books so that information is more factual and less sensationalized.

A lot of answers at your fingertips, but not much esotericism
As a petitioner for initiation into the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, I've found myself scouring the Internet with question after question. What is the history of Freemasonry? What is the relationship of Freemasonry to religion and to politics? Does Freemasonry have roots in the Rosicrucians or Knights Templar or ancient mystery cults? Finally, in this book, I found an enjoyable, accessible compendium of answers to most of these questions.
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Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. History    3. History: World    4. Sociology    5. World - General    6. Freemasonry & secret societies    7. History / World   

Reviews (147)

We need to know.
1. The world needs to know how much of the material in this book is true.
There are NO coincedences.
After you finish reading this book you will come to the same conclusion that I have.THERE ARE NO COINCEDENCES.Decade after decade the same people and organizations always seem to "pop" up in major world events.This is not by chance my friends.Read your bible.Don't take Jim Marrs's word as gosple either, research some of this stuff yourself to verify the contents of the book.Second best book he has written!

MUST READ FORINTELLECTUALS ONLY
Comprehensive review of history and current events. The linking of modern history to the ancient wars and the struggle over ancient knowledge is unequalled. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    2. Freemasonry    3. History    4. History: World    5. International Relations - General    6. Modern - General    7. Politics / Current Events    8. World - General    9. Controversial Knowledge & Mysteries    10. Freemasonry & secret societies   

Reviews (4)

Excellent on the Basics
I received my copy from our Grand Master.I immediately read it and enjoyed it greatly.My only complaint was that some of the book repeated itself and was a bit basic.But, it is a great place to start oneself on the path further light in Masonry.

Wealth of knowledge
Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry is for everyone that wants to know or even think that they know what freemasonry is about.

The BEST book on Freemasonry
Dr. Morris has done the world of Freemasonry a great service by writing this book and, through his erudition and scholarship, he has also advanced the cause of knowledge and learning generally, for which everyone ought to be thankful. This is by far the BEST, one volume reference book on Freemasonry published to date. It is an excellent, all purpose book. It covers all aspect of American and international Freemasonry, it discusses, history, rituals, anti-Masonry, and even includes a photo section classifying and explaining a wide assortment of Masonic symbols, emblems, and regalia. Perfect for the non-Mason who wants to know "what's really going on," perfect for the new Master Mason seeking more light, and equally perfect for longtime members of the Craft who have forgotten more than they knew, and wish to have a handy, easy to read but astonishingly thorough book on hand. Thank you, Brent Morris, for this superbly done book. Highly recommended to all! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Sociology Of Organizations    7. Freemasonry & secret societies    8. History / Reference    9. Social history   

Reviews (28)

Hard to Believe without solid facts...
The Committee of 300 is an interesting read and I enjoyed the thorough breakdown of socio-political groups, organizations, etc. and their hierarchy.There is probably some truth there.But the author makes some allegations that are lacking in verifiable facts and belie a not-so-subtle political axe to grind.For example, the mass murders of 150,000 Iraqi troops (tavelling under a white flag of truce...) ordered by President Bush during the first Gulf War?The burying alive of 12,000 Iraqi troops again by the order of President Bush?Since the book was written prior to the Clinton presidency, it's hard to say if the author is merely anti-republican or just doesn't like the Bush family.There are only a few non-text pages in the book (again no documentation to support his assertions...) but one of them has a nice graphic of the hierarchy of the Masons which appears to be reprinted from an mid-20th century book. Given a choice, I would not have bought this book again.

interesting set of events
The author is definitely a man of his time with use of words such as negroe, hispositive stance on nuclear energy, his sympathy for the Boers war against the wealthy imperialist and not the indigenous peoplesfor whom the land was stolen , his belief that Bayard Rustin is still head of organizations, his not calling Cecil Rhodes thegenocidal maniac that he was.In addition there is no call by the author to have repairs made to descendents of slaves for which most wealthyfamilies of America and England benefited according to Mr. Coleman .However despite that , very relevant points are made anda considerable amount of events discussed have come to pass, are currently happening and or measures are put in place so that some events will present themselves soon.The author seemingly put great detail and thought in telling the tale that is told and appears to be very compassionate, knowledgeable, forthcoming with his variety of information.I would very much like to know what happened in his life that would make an ex MI6 agent spill the beans.
Committee of 300
I understand that Dr. Coleman didn't completely document his work. Most likely Dr. Coleman assumed, and shouldn't have, that most of the readers would have already been schooled in the remedial works of the globalists in our world. Not the least of which is the Council On Foreign Relations. The CFR is conspiracy hidden in plain sight and you have to have the brain the size of a pea to miss it.
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Subjects:  1. Conspiracy    2. General    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Secret societies    5. Sociology    6. Political activism    7. True Stories   

Reviews (1)

Restoring the Temple of Vision
This book uncovers the early Jewish, Scottish, and Stuart sources of "ancient" Cabalistic Freemasonry that flourished in Écossais lodges in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Europe - Great Britain - General    3. General    4. Great Britain - History - Tudor And Stuart (1485-1714)    5. History    6. History: World    7. Interior Design - General    8. Rosicrucianism    9. Sociology    10. Sociology Of Organizations    11. Europe    12. European history: c 1500 to c 1750    13. Freemasonry & secret societies    14. History of ideas, intellectual history    15. Religious buildings    16. c 1700 to c 1800    17. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (6)

An historic perspective (by a non-mason)
Prof. Stevenson, a non-mason, has stumbled upon freemasonry while specialising in the history of the Scottish covenanters. He adds academic structure and his formidable historic knowledge to the unwritten part of Scottish masonry, - an oral tradition of memorized texts and a rich variety of lodge rituals, -way before George I's (a Hanoverian who spoke no English) attempt in 1717 to create a system of control by establishing the Grand Lodge of England. Mr. Stevenson may be forgiven for not understanding masonic imagery, however he has given us a well presented insight into Scottish masonry. His impressive work sets new standards in masonic history, based on verifiable and reproducable evidence rather than on wishful thinking. A highly recommendable book.

Half the story, and well done!
This well-researched and (necessarily) somewhat-speculative work covers the sustainment of Freemasonry in Scotland in the time just before Masonry went public in 1717. The title is less accurate than the subtitle, however, for it creates more questions than it answers. For convincing speculation on the actual origins of Freemasonry (and one that fits well before this book if one will take William Schaw as patron and not creator of the Craft), read "Born in Blood" by John J. Robinson.

At Last! Some Factual Pre-1717 Masonic History!
The question of Freemasonry's origins and history prior to the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 is such a morass of speculation, supposition, and wishful thinking that professional historians- Stevenson included - feel the need to justify their researches in thissubject lest they be tainted by its disrepute among their fellows. Againstsuch a background this book really stands out. Stevenson bases his researchon actual records of almost a hundred Scottish Masonic lodges that datefrom the 1600's, along with municipal records, other guilds' records,diaries, and royal statutes.Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Great Britain - General    2. Freemasonry    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Western Europe - General    7. Freemasonry & secret societies    8. Freemasonry - Scotland - History    9. History / Great Britain    10. History of ideas, intellectual history    11. Western Continental Europe    12. c 1700 to c 1800    13. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (8)

Fascinating and Compelling
I have not posted a review on [...], or for that matter, any other book-related website for several years, but felt I had to do so after reading Founding Fathers, Secret Societies. Dr. Robert Hieronimus, ably assisted by Laura Cortner, have given us a book for our times, and one of the most fascinating and compelling retellings of the founding of this country ever published. With true scholarship and first class story-telling, Hieronimus and Cortner establish for us the ethics and humanity upheld by the League of Iroquois, and the tremendous impact that their beliefs and actions had on our founding fathers. They go on to decode in detail the true meanings of the Great Seal of the United States and reassert the real vision behind the founding of our great nation. I don't read a lot of fiction, but I read this book with the attention and focus I usually reserve only for a true page-turner of a novel. And given the ever-deepening rifts in our current body politic, I came away from Founding Fathers profoundly moved and, yes, inspired. I can only add that no matter what your political predisposition may be, this remarkable volume offers us all an opportunity to reflect on the real story behind the birth of America, the true vision its founders had for the republic, and some practical thoughts on how we can all help it to get back on track. Robert Hieronimus and Laura Cortner have performed a great service in making this knowledge available to all of us, and I for one thank them for their efforts. A must read.
A TRUE JEWEL OF A BOOK
This book is a multidimensional discourse on the founding of a Nation whose history is veiled and obscured intentionally in secrecy. The author presents facts about the contributions of indigenous people in the founding of this Nation not told on any level of formal education. The author mentions there were Masonic symbols found in the wilderness of North America where no white man had ever ventured. These symbols were thought to be centuries old. By reading this book one can better figure how America fits into the national & international landscape from the very beginning. I like how the author breaks down the personal charts of the founders Franklin, Washington etc. Not a conspiracy book at all. I found it hard to put down once I started it. The notes and bibliography presents a vast amount of material for further research. I would highly recommend this book to the real seeker of truth, not for those who can not handle the truth. A good companion to this book would be "The Huevolution of Sacred Muur Science Past and Present" by Noble Timothy Myers-El

Disapointed
This book deals with some fairly rediculous topics.I'm not into mysticism or talisman's or that stuff, so perhaps I am biased.
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Subjects:  1. Archives    2. Freemasonry    3. History    4. History: American    5. Miscellanea    6. Occultism    7. Secret societies    8. Sociology    9. Sociology Of Organizations    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism    13. Freemasonry & secret societies    14. USA   

Reviews (49)

WELL WRITEN WELL DONE.VERY INFORMATIVE
I enjoyed every page of this one.Not being an expert in this field, I certainly cannot vouch for each and every fact the author has given us, but the several facts I did take the time to further research proved the athor correct.The book is well written and in fact is quite a page turner.This is one of those I hated to stop reading and was rather sorry when I had finished it.It is important to understand this past era in order to understand where we are today.The consequences of the actions taken at that time are still being felt even to this day.Highly recommend this one.

Very Impressive
I am extremely impressed by the way Robinson conveyed the history of those tumultuous times in such a captivating manner.This work is rich in facts: both large and small, and all interesting.Aside from Templar history, I really appreciated Robinson's ability to clearly explain the major and minor players and the political machinery and machinations of all sides involved (Muslim factions, Hospitallers, Vanetians, the Popes, etc etc).Reading this work is a real learning experience, and Robinson's great writing is far from dry.After reading this book I will surely continue to read Robinson's other works.

Phenomenal - This is a must read
Where to start? This is a fantastic piece of work that takes you through the rise and fall of Templars. I would rate it better than Da-vinci code because this is no fiction. It is remarkable that a non-fiction work packs so much action and thrills. This is also the best account of Crusades that I have ever read. In addition, the author also touches upon the personal codes that governed the life of Templars (like the chastity belt, rules against bathing etc). All in all, I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested about Crusades or Templars ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crusades    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Medieval    5. Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450)    6. Templars    7. Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 500 to c 1500    8. Freemasonry & secret societies    9. History / General    10. Middle East    11. Warfare & Defence    12. c 1000 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (217)

Quantum leaps
This is just another attempt to link Freemasonry with the social systems of the ancient past. It's an interesting read, but be ready to take some quantum leaps across the chasms of time. What the authors lack in the way of hard evidence them certainly make up in imagination...

Omne ignotum pro magnifico: Novus ordo seculorum?
This book has Sunday newspaper quality. As with many Sunday paper essays it is readable and entertaining. I liked it, and even read it twice. But it is not research, and it has no bibliography.
A highly speculative & thought provoking journey
This book is an example of what happens when two guys come up with a wild idea and then hunt around searching for ways to substantiate their new theory. Unfortunately, once a shred of evidence appears to support their proposed theory, these two researchers automatically assume that this hypothesis is now an undisputable truth and then use that as the basis for their next wild idea. It doesn't take long before their determined path ends in fantasyland.
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Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Denominations - Religions    5. Social Science    6. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (8)

the templars and the grail
the book is too especulative not mush scientific information can be obtained.

Interesting Read
An Interesting read and a good compliment to
The dramatic story of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a monastic order of Christian warriors that grew out of the medieval campaigns to free Jerusalem and Palestine from the domination of the Muslims in several waves of invasion known collectively as the Crusades. These warrior monks were believed to conduct mystical rites, guard the famed Holy Grail, and possess the lost treasures of Jerusalem. The order's wealth and political activities evolved to provide banking services to kings, act as trusted diplomats, engage in far flung business enterprise, and even work as navigators. The order was ultimately doomed to succumb to political intrigue and the malevolent greed of kings. In The Templars And The Grail: Knights Of The Quest, Oxford-based medieval historian Karen Ralls presents the dramatic story of the Knights Templar, presenting the many beliefs and theories about their presumed powers and arcane knowledge. Drawing upon both popular and academic sources, this impressive, exceptionally well written, and thoroughly accessible history is especially recommended to students of Metaphysical Studies and Medieval History.
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Subjects:  1. Arthur,    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Europe - Great Britain - General    4. Grail    5. History    6. History and criticism    7. History: World    8. King    9. Legends    10. Medieval    11. Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450)    12. Religion - Church History    13. Templars    14. Arthur    15. Christian communities & monasticism    16. Europe    17. European history: c 500 to c 1500    18. Freemasonry & secret societies    19. History / General    20. c 1000 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (12)

Freemasonry's Alpha and Omega Resource Book
A New Encyclopedia Of Freemasonry may just be the best pure resource work on the subject today. This is not your typical Freemasonic expose where someone sells-out the fraternity. Come here looking for handshakes, passwords, rituals and secrets, hoping to catch Freemasons at play, and you'll be bitterly disappointed. This is not the cheap seats, so don't expect any home-run balls to come soaring in.
A must have for a Freemason
This is a must have for any freemason. This is a comprehensible reference of almost all masonic and related definitions. It is extremely helpful to have it handy when reading masonic articles.

Overall Good
Taking all the reviews into consideration, every Mason should own this text.As well, everyone interested in all things Masonic should also own this text.Is it the easiest to read?No.Is it really that difficult?No.
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Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Freemasonry    3. Freemasons    4. General    5. Sale Adult - Occult / Parapsychology    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Freemasonry & secret societies    9. Reference works    10. Social Science / Freemasonry    11. Sale Books   

Reviews (2)

Exceptional Translation of a Classic in Spiritual Alchemy & Theosophy
The tendency to interpret physical change in spiritual terms was part of alchemy from its inception in the ancient world. Beginning in the Middle Ages and well into the 18th century parallels were drawn between alchemical processes and the mysteries of Christianity.The preparation of the philosopher's stone was described in terms of death and resurrection and equated with the death and resurrection of Christ; the constituents of the stone, for example, the salt, sulfur, and mercury of the Paracelsians, were identified with spirit, soul, and body as well as the Trinity. For Georg von Welling the symbols and signs of nature carried deep correspondences with biblical revelation. The religious nature of many alchemical texts makes it difficult at times to distinguish those that describe actual laboratory processes from those employing alchemical language for purely spiritual ends. Nevertheless, there was a clear tendency among "spiritual" alchemists to distinguish themselves from those they disparagingly described as "puffers" or "sooty empirics". The English physician, alchemist, and Rosicrucian sympathizer Robert Fludd dismissed the work of practical alchemists as "chymia vulgaris". Only their imagery and symbolism kept these alchemists in touch with the fire and the furnace.
From the Editor
In Act I of Goethe's Faust, the hero broods alone in his chamber and reflects upon the vainness of earthly knowledge and education. He opens a ponderous book of magic and gazes in almost sensual wonder upon the lines and symbols on a diagram of the Macrocosm. Upon waves of ecstasy he gives voice to the passion that since the dawn of consciousness has consumed the student of the mysteries.
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Subjects:  1. Alchemy    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Early works to 1800    4. Freemasonry    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Magic & alchemy    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. Wicca   

Reviews (27)

The Best Kept Secret
This is the one Masonic ritual every Mason should own and every Masonic lodge should at least recommend for study, if not for ceremony. On the surface, Duncan's rendition may not appear much dissimilar from other rituals, but it may contain subtle and cryptic clues to Freemasonry's origins and true nature where others don't. (Maybe that's not something to imply here. But it's something for Freemasons to consider.) In my empirical opinion: if earnestly contemplated, Duncan's ritual will help the diligent Freemason unlock the"secrets within the secret." Of course, there is ultimately much more to Masonic practice and ritual than what meets the blindfolded eye.
Classic handbook
Every Mason should have a copy of this pocket sized volume for his own reference and enjoyment.Covers the degrees through the Royal Arch.Gestures, symbols, tools and terms are all well illustrated as appropriate, and the book proceeds logically by degree.Masons will find this an indispensible tool to bone up on their degree work, and non-Masons will find it simple, informative, and may even inspire them to petition a lodge and experience the real thing.

Great Introduction
I am not finished this book yet, but I am truly pleased with what I have read thus far.I find myself reviewing what I have read because of my personal intrest in Freemasonry.Lokking for more light. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. General    3. Reference    4. Rituals    5. Religion / Freemasonry   

Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. International Organizations    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. United States - General    6. United States History (Specific Aspects)    7. Freemasonry & secret societies    8. History / General    9. USA   

Reviews (69)

Introductory
I found this book somewhat interesting, but purely introductory. The author alludes all through the book to the fact that she is a member of one of these societies, but seems to just glaze over the surface. It does give a little insight to a world that most of us will never enter.

Interesting and engaging
Skull and bones is a truly interesting secret society that I always wanted to know more about.This book told me everything I wanted to know and was in a format that was more readable than I had expected from a history.I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know the truth about this mysterious group.

very disappointed
I was really looking forward to reading this book and getting some insight into what really goes on when one enters into the Skull and Bones.This book, however, was useless.It was endlessly boring and gave very little new insight.Like one reviewer mentioned, she just barely scratched the surface and she seemed to have no interest in delving any deeper.
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Subjects:  1. College Life    2. Education    3. Higher    4. History & Theory - General    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Social History    7. Social Science    8. Sociology - General    9. Sociology Of Organizations    10. United States - General    11. Connecticut    12. Freemasonry & secret societies    13. Social Science / Sociology / General    14. USA    15. Universities / polytechnics   

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Directories    3. Friendly societies    4. General    5. General Organizations    6. History    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. International institutions   

Reviews (13)

Very informative
This book is a must read for students of theology and the occult. It reveals the meaning behind recent phenomena like the Da Vinci code. The author illuminates the secrets of our times in the context of ancient scriptures; some of these scriptures may be true and others not so true. There is wisdom in this book for those who seek it.Overall it is a short book but very well written and believe me I could not put it down.

Big Disappointment From A Terrific Author
This was probably released to coincide with Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code movie as it discusses Dan's theories but also delves more into the Masonic aspects of the era which by default includes a discussion of the Knights Templar.
The open secret
Great book - easy to read, humorous, personal insights, well qualified author, and great references! I'm not going to synopsize the book and ruin it for you but if you have an open, questing mind this book is for you! The reason I put Open Secret in the title is that the big secret really is something taught by many other eastern and mystical religions, it has just been hidden from Christians, Muslims, and Jews by clergy who want to control everyone else. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible Study Guide    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Freemasonry    4. History    5. History - General History    6. Jewish - Ancient    7. Magic    8. Magick Studies    9. New Age    10. Occult Sciences    11. Occultism    12. Social Science / Freemasonry   

Reviews (1)

Steiner talks about the Black Lodge
Well folks, here's a rarity you don't hear about very often...an anthroposophist speaking openly about the practices of secret cults, groups and societies of a negative nature!
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. New Age    4. Spirituality - General    5. Freemasonry & secret societies   

Reviews (3)

A Worthy Addition to Any Freemason's Library, It Being a Well-Written, Easy-to-Read History of this Ancient Craft.
Modern Freemasonry was established in London in 1717, but the origins of Freemasonry date back thousands of years to pre-biblical times.In "The Freemasons: The Illustrated Book of an Ancient Brotherhood" Michael Johnstone traces possible links in the beginning between Freemasonry and the building of King Solomon's Temple, with the great philosopher Pythagoras, the Collegia, with the Ancient Mysteries, the Druids, and with the Knights Templar.