This month we look at – ‘A portrait gallery, with biographical sketches of prominent freemasons throughout the United States’
– a rather impressive collection of biographies and steel-engraved portraits (“steel plate portraits”) of some of the leading Freemasons in American history (up through the late 19th century).
Produced in five volumes in 1892, by Philadelphian Masonic Publishers, John C. Yorston & Co., it features presidents and authors and other notable chaps of the time, including: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Albert Pike.

Recent Articles: in this series

Book Intro - Daniel Beresniak Symbols Of Freemasonry
This book is a collection of the symbolic images which Freemasons encounter on their journeys of transformation.' The texts and illustrations form an intimate dialogue whose subject is Freemasonry, and which casts light on the relationship between dreams and reality, reason, intuition and imagination.
more....

Book Intro - The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall
The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall is a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the various esoteric and occult traditions that have shaped human history. The book covers a wide range of subjects including alchemy, astrology, mysticism, and secret societies, and provides detailed explanations of the underlying principles and concepts.
more....

Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor
Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor is an impression of the Old York Rite published in New York in 1866.
more....

Book Intro - Jachin and Boaz (1762)
Thirty two years after Samuel Prichard's Masonry Dissected (1730) a second detailed exposure was published Jachin and Boaz (1762) attributed to the same author, and met with equal distain by Freemasons of the time. However, these exposures offer the masonic historian an invaluable view in to how freemasonry was conducted during its early formation
more....

Book Intro - Three Distinct Knocks (c.1760)
Giving an exact account of all their proceedings in making a brother, with the three obligations or oaths belonging to the first second, and third degrees of masonry, viz. The entered apprentice, fellow-craft, and master-mason: with the obligating on belonging to the chair, and the grip and word.
more....

Book Intro – A Text Book of Masonic Jurisprudence
An introduction to Albert Mackey's seminal work on Masonic Jurisprudence – the theory or philosophy of Masonic law. The Foundations of Masonic Law are to be found in the Landmarks, or Unwritten Law, and in the Ancient Constitutions, or the Written Law. These constitute the subject matter of the book.
more....

Book Intro - The Perfect Ceremonies Of Craft Masonry 1871
A beautiful example of a the rituals, produced in a Medieval illuminated script style. Facsimiles still exist of this illustrated ritual book, of which the most authentically produced version is that available from the Scottish Rite Masonic Book Club.
more....

Book Intro – Freemasonry; when, where, how?
Introduction to Freemasonry; when, where, how? By George Thornburgh
more....

book intro - Portrait Gallery
This month we look at – 'A portrait gallery, with biographical sketches of prominent freemasons throughout the United States'
more....

book intro - The Mystic Tie
Extracted and abridged from The Mystic Tie: Or, Facts and Opinions, Illustrative of the Character and Tendency of Freemasonry By Albert Mackey,
more....

book intro - Constructive Psychology
The introduction to Constructive Psychology or The Building Of Character By Personal Effort by J D Buck a masonic author
more....

book intro - Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic
Preface to the book by William Rutherford Hayes; Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic
more....

book intro - Origin of the Rosicrucians and the Free-Masons
Historico-Critical Inquiry into the Origin of the Rosicrucians and the Free-Masons – Thomas De Quincey
more....

book Intro - The Genius of Freemasonry
The Genius of Freemasonry: “Has any brother anything to offer for the good of Masonry?” The following pages are the author’s answer to that question.
more....

book Intro - The Spirit of Masonry
An essential source for anyone interested in exploring the inner mysteries of the Masonic Fraternity.
more....

book intro - History of Freemasonry
Introduction to a classic masonic book by J. G. Findel, History of Freemasonry published 1866
more....

book intro - Ahiman Rezon
The Book of Constitutions for the Ancient Grand Lodge or Ahiman Rezon
more....

book intro - The Men's House
A short introduction to The Men's House, a collection of masonic papers and addresses. - by Joseph Fort Newton
more....

Book Intro - The Builders
This is a general survey of Masonic origins, history and philosophy. It was at one time given to every new Mason in Iowa. - by Joseph Fort Newton
more....

Book Intro - The Discrepancies of Freemasonry
Written almost 150 years ago, this book contains wisdom still relevant today.
more....

Book Intro - The Principles of Masonic Law
"The first great duty, not only of every lodge, but of every Mason, is to see that the landmarks of the Order shall never be impaired".
more....

Book Intro - Mystic Masonry
Published in 1911, this fascinating book is equally relevant for the 21st century Mason with an interest in the more mystical side of Freemasonry.
more....

Book Intro - Hidden Life of Freemasonry
Introduction to The Hidden Life in Freemasonry (1926) by Charles Webster Leadbeater
more....

book intro - The Meaning of Masonry
This is the Introduction to The Meaning of Masonry, a set of essays which discuss the esoteric side of Masonry
more....

Book Intro - The Symbolism of Freemasonry
Introduction to a classic masonic book; The Symbolism of Freemasonry: Illustrating and Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, its Legends, Myths and Symbols.
more....

book intro - Illustrations of Masonry
Introduction to Illustrations Of Masonry by William Preston (1742-1818)
more....
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers

click image to open email app on mobile device