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“The greatest Light in Masonry”-

The Holy Bible

has been for centuries the most important book for majority of Freemasons.

Here you can access an internet version of the Holy Bible

FOUCAULT’S PENDULUM by Umberto Eco

Review by the editor of Publishers Weekly

If a copy (often unread) of The Name of the Rose on the coffee table was a badge of intellectual superiority in 1983, Eco's second novel--also an intellectual blockbuster--should prove more accessible. This complex psychological thriller chronicles the development of a literary joke that plunges its perpetrators into deadly peril. The narrator, Casaubon, an expert on the medieval Knights Templars, and two editors working in a branch of a vanity press publishing house in Milan, are told about a purported coded message revealing a secret plan set in motion by the Knights Templars centuries ago when the society was forced underground. As a lark, the three decide to invent a history of the occult tying a variety of phenomena to the mysterious machinations of the Order. Feeding their inspirations into a computer, they become obsessed with their story, dreaming up links between the Templars and just about every occult manifestation throughout history, and predicting that culmination of the Templars' scheme to take over the world is close at hand. The plan becomes real to them--and eventually to the mysterious They, who want the information the trio has "discovered." Dense, packed with meaning, often startlingly provocative, the novel is a mixture of metaphysical meditation, detective story, computer handbook, introduction to physics and philosophy, historical survey, mathematical puzzle, compendium of religious and cultural mythology, guide to the Torah (Hebrew, rather than Latin contributes to the puzzle here, but is restricted mainly to chapter headings), reference manual to the occult, the hermetic mysteries, the Rosicrucians, the Jesuits, the Freemasons-- ad infinitum . The narrative eventually becomes heavy with the accumulated weight of data and supposition, and overwrought with implication, and its climax may leave readers underwhelmed. Until that point, however, this is an intriguing cerebral exercise in which Eco slyly suggests that intellectual arrogance can come to no good end.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

 

 

ROYAL ART: Three Centuries of Freemasonry by Stevan V. Nikolic

Review by Jim Tresner, book editor of the Scottish Rite Journal

Brother Nikolic has produced a fascinating book. I found it a joy to read, and it is challenging as well. Especially, he deals with some of the differences and similarities in European and American Freemasonry. As he says: “In this book, I tried to make an overview, as impartially as possible, of many different interpretations of the concept of Freemasonry, its symbolism, teachings, Rituals, and history. Nonetheless, I could not escape the temptation of adding my own understandings, particularly in the chapters regarding different traditions and concepts (Three Traditions and Two Concepts), and the future of Freemasonry (Dawn of the Third Millennium).… Not claiming to be an authority on the subject, but just a passionate seeker after Truth, I humbly offer my thoughts to curious readers, with the intention of provoking their further inquiry on this valuable topic. Some may be impressed and enriched or enlightened, others angered and disturbed, but I hope to leave none indifferent.”Fear not, Brother Nikolic. If Masonry is a performance art, the book is evidence that the performance is as varied as classical ballet, Texas line-dancing, and the Bunny-hop.
There is an amazing amount of information in this small book. The appendices include such topics as Masonic abbreviations; Masonic Calendar; A Short Overview of the Rites, Degrees, and Orders; Masonic Jurisdictions Throughout the World; Masonic Libraries and Museums; Masonic Research Organizations; Masonic Magazines; and, of course, Famous Masons.
Of special interest are the illustrations. Illustrations in many Masonic books are more or less predictable. Most of the illustrations in this book are different, and many are drawn by the author’s wife, Tamara. They have an unusual strength and vigor. Perhaps my favorite is on page 128, titled “The hardest stone to cut.” It shows a sculpted figure freeing itself from a block of marble with mallet and chisel. It’s a beautiful image of the Masonic transformation.Read more reviews of the ROYAL ART:
- by Thomas W. Jackson (Northern Light)
- by Joseph Goldbloom (Masonic News)
- by Wallace McLeod ( The Royal Arch Magazine)

 

THE KEY TO SOLOMON’S KEY: Secrets of Magic and Masonry  by Lon Milo DuQuette (Author), James Wasserman (Introduction)

Editorial Review

Sketching out a fascinating network of historic figures, cults, and Christendom, this book by an occult studies expert and respected authority on magic and sorcery takes western spiritual traditions seriously—but examines them with common sense and self-effacing humor. Working backward from the Freemasons to one of their original orders, the 14th-century Knights Templar, the account considers sorcery, heresy, and intrigues; explores the legend that the Knights possessed a powerful secret dangerous to the Church of Rome; and finds an essential clue to the order's practices in their connection to the biblical Solomon, king of Israel in the 10th century B. C.

About the Author

Lon Milo DuQuette is the author of Angels, Demons & Gods of the New Millennium; The Magick of Aleister Crowley; and My Life with the Spirits, a memoir of his life as a practicing ceremonial magician. He lives in Costa Mesa, California

 

Codex Magica: Secret Signs, Mysterious Symbols, and Hidden Codes of the Illuminati  by Texe Marrs

Editorial Review
Codex Magica is awesome in its scope and revelations. It contains over 1,000 actual photographs and illustrations. You'll see with your own eyes the world's leading politicians and celebrities—including America's richest and most powerful—caught in the act as they perform occult magic. Once you understand their covert signals and coded picture messages, your world will never be the same. Destiny will be made manifest. You will know the truth and everything will become clear.

 

RoyalArt.info comment:  Some of the references in this book will be very hard to confirm. Otherwise, great reading...

 

SOLOMON'S KEY: THE CODIS PROJECT,
 A Conspiracy Thriller  by R, DOUGLAS WEBER

 

Editorial Reviews

The Guardian S Duffy
A smart, intelligent thriller with something for everyone. This new religious conspiracy genre created by Dan Brown has had many knock-offs. None, however, have the depth and scope of Weber's novel. He peels away the glossy finish you find in most spy thrillers, prying deeply into his two major female character's motivations, flaws, and past. The visceral action of Ludlum combined with the realism of John Le'Carre'.

Daily Mirror
The Vatican, movie star cult icons, secret cabals, spies and even a steamy love triangle all blend into a surprisingly tasty stew. More seasoned writers might have cut back on the complex recipe of spy thriller, romance, and religious history, offering less meat and more fluff. But this writer gives you your monies worth, hoping you'll come back for seconds.

Founding Fathers, Secret Societies: Freemasons, Illuminati, Rosicrucians, and the Decoding of the Great Seal  by Robert Hieronimus (Author), Laura Cortner (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The ultimate book about the secrets of our Founding Fathers. It is, very simply, the best thing of its kind that has ever been written. Careful research and years of effort show in this beautiful work--as exciting and informative as it is important."
(Whitley Strieber, host of Dreamland with Whitley Strieber)
"Founding Fathers, Secret Societies is that rare thing--a really excellent, thoroughly researched, and beautifully written book. I learned something new on every page."
(Graham Hancock, author of Fingerprints of the Gods )
"I can think of no living man who has done as much as Dr. Hieronimus to investigate the mysteries surrounding the founding of the United States of America. Providing more than a revelation of the spiritual vision behind the founding of a new nation, Hieronimus sets a standard which contributes to the perpetual re-making of that ashlar cornerstone upon which the American experiment has been, is being, and will be built as the Novus Ordo Seclorum unfolds."
(David Ovason, author of The Secret Architecture of Our Nation's Capital and The Secret Symbolism of the Dollar Bill)
Robert Hieronimuss historical analysis could not come at a more crucial time. The United States has reached a critical point in its history, one that will not only affect its destiny but that of the rest of the world. Hieronimus has made an in-depth analysis of the founders of the United States, starting with the League of Iroquois and the European esoteric societies, proceeding to the impact of Masonic symbolism and the creation of the Great Seal, especially the images on its reverse side. He delivers an inspiring message of hope for a culture that is badly torn, a culture critically in need of the renewed vision described in this remarkable book.
(Stanley Krippner, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Saybrook Graduate School, Coeditor of Varieties of Anomalous Experience )
A vision that can unite, guide, and inspire us is increasingly possible when we know more of the rich history that helped launch our nation. Too much of this history has been unknown; too many facts have been hard to come by. It is a special delight to learn more of our history with Robert Hieronimus who is so careful to not exaggerate sources or certainty.
(David A. Burnet, Grand Councilor Emeritus and former Treasurer of the English Grand Lodge, Rosicrucian Order, AMORC )
Anyone turning the pages of Founding Fathers, Secret Societies opens a secret door to the lost history of our country. By exposing the hidden roots of the United States, Robert Hieronimus has restored a sense of American destiny.
(Frank Joseph, author of The Lost Treasure of King Juba )
. . . makes an intriguing case that combines a number of historical threads to provide a new interpretation of the United States founding. Most importantly, Robert Hieronimus starts at the beginning, with our truly American founding, notably with the Great Law of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. This work should put to rest any remaining notions that the founding was a result of spontaneous intellectual combustion in a Philadelphia meeting room.
(Bruce E. Johansen, author of Forgotten Founders: How the Iroquois Helped Shape Democracy )
"Founding Fathers is a breath of fresh air. . . . [Hieronimus] corrects errors and offers superb summaries of available evidence."
(Living Traditions, May 2006 )

 

Masonic Enlightenment - The Philosophy, History and Wisdom of Freemasonry 
by Michael, R Poll (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

A Masonic education from the first page to last. Includes: "The Meaning of Initiation" by Frank C. Higgins; "Operative Masonry: Early Days in the Masonic Era" by Robert I. Clegg; "Masonic Jurisprudence" by Roscoe Pound; "Freemasons in the American Revolution" by Charles S. Lobingier; "A Bird's-Eye View of Masonic History" by H.L. Haywood; "Women and Freemasonry" by Dudley Wright; "In the Interests of the Brethren" by Rudyard Kipling; "The Egyptian Influence on Our Masonic Ceremonial and Ritual" by Thomas Ross; "Anderson's Constitutions of 1723" by Lionel Vibert; "The Rise and Development of Anti-Masonry in America, 1737-1826" by J. Hugo Tatsch; "The Spiritual Significance of Freemasonry" by Silas H. Shepherd; "Rosicrucianism in Freemasonry" by H.V.B. Voorhis; "The New Atlantis and Freemasonry" by A.J.B. Milborne; "Masonry and World Peace" by Joseph Fort Newton and more.

 

Meaning of Masonry  by W. L. Wilmshurst

 

One of the best, most coherent discourses of Freemasonry ever written. Translated in many languages, and published in millions of copies, still remains, after so many years, the biggest inspiration for Masonic scholars worldwide. W. L. Wilmshurst covers in his introduction and five chapters   the most important  subjects in Masonry: The position and Possibilities of the Masonic Order; The deeper symbolism of Freemasonry; Masonry as a Philosophy; Craft Symbolism; The Holy Royal Arch; and the relation of Masonry to the ancient mysteries.

This is “must have” handbook for every inspiring Mason, and for every non-mason interesting in the real content of Freemasonry.

Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C.  by Christopher Hodapp

 

Editorial Reviews

Solomon’s Builders transports the reader back to the birth of a radical new nation and tells how a secretive society influenced and inspired the formation of what would become the most powerful nation on earth.
A history that reads like a thriller, it follows George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and the other Founding Fathers who transformed the lessons of their Masonic lodge rooms into models for a new democracy. In the process, it pieces together the still-visible clues of the Freemasons as it uncovers the mystical Masonic symbolism hidden in the design of the city and in its monuments, statues and buildings.
From “all-seeing eyes,” pentagrams, and Egyptian-inspired obelisks to the imposing and mysterious Masonic temples of the "Widow's Sons," Solomon’s Builders guides readers on a Freemason’s tour of Washington, D.C. as it separates fact from myth and reveals the background of the sequel to The Da Vinci Code.

Rule by Secrecy: The Hidden History That Connects the Trilateral Commission, the Freemasons, and the Great Pyramids by Jim Marrs

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this unconvincing potboiler, Marrs, who charged that conspiracies were behind the JFK assassination (Crossfire) and government cover-ups of the UFO phenomenon (Alien Agenda), now offers a sweeping view of world history through the warped prism of conspiracy theory. The world's richest and most powerful individuals, he opines, wield excessive influence over governments and news media through their control of multinational corporations and organizations he refers to as "secret societies," such as the Council on Foreign Relations, the international Trilateral Commission and the Bilderberg group (which holds annual closed-door conferences around the globe). The aim of these "secret societies," suggests Marrs, is one-world government and centralized social control, and in this respect, he adds, all these groups and their offshoots carry the imprint of older secret brotherhoods, including Freemasonry and the Illuminati. Conspiracy buffs will have a field day wading through this morass, but other readers will remain unpersuaded by a tract that proceeds by way of innuendo, quotation of other conspiracy researchers' extremist opinions and unsubstantiated statement. Marrs squeezes into his procrustean framework the origins of WWI and WWII, Nazis' occult dabblings, the Russian Revolution, the Morgan and Rothschild banking dynasties and the Knights Templar, and he uncritically entertains a host of maverick theories. His conspiracy trail winds up back in Mesopotamia, as he plies territory mined by Zecharia Sitchin, who believes that extraterrestrials founded the earth's earliest civilizations. Ultimately, this mishmash lacks the semblance of plausibility that helped make Alien Agenda a bestseller. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The simplest questions often have the most complicated answers. Such is the case with the question of the nature of Freemasonry. What is its purpose and meaning? Is it a practical philosophical concept or a religion in disguise? Is it a secret society with a dangerous agenda or a philanthropic association of good men and women? What are the aims of the three million members of this ancient fraternity?

In this carefully researched and thought provoking work you will find some of extremely controversial and very surprising conclusions that may change your understanding forever.

To learn more about S. V. Nikolic writings go to:

www.stevanvnikolic.blogspot.com

2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl

by Daniel Pinchbeck

 

Editorial Review

From Publishers Weekly
Pinchbeck, journalist and author of the drug-riddled psychonaut investigation Breaking Open the Head, has set out to create an "extravagant thought experiment" centering around the Mayan prophecy that 2012 will bring about the end of the world as we know it, "the conclusion of a vast evolutionary cycle, and the potential gateway to a higher level of manifestation." More specifically, Pinchbeck's claim is that we are in the final stages of a fundamental global shift from a society based on materiality to one based on spirituality. Intermittently fascinating, especially in his autobiographical interludes, Pinchbeck tackles Stonehenge and the Burning Man festival, crop circles and globalization, modern hallucinogens and the ancient prophesy of the Plumed Serpent featured in his subtitle. His description of difficult-to-translate experiences, like his experimentation with a little-known hallucinogenic drug called dripropyltryptamine (DPT), are striking for their lucidity: "For several weeks after taking DPT, I picked up flickering hypnagogic imagery when I closed my eyes at night ... In one scene, I entered a column of fire rising from the center of Stonehenge again and again, feeling myself pleasantly annihilated by the flames each time." Pinchbeck's teleological exploration can overwhelm, and his meandering focus can frustrate, but as a thought experiment, Pinchbeck's exotic epic is a paradigm-buster capable of forcing the most cynical reader outside her comfort zone.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition