Cracking the Freemasons Code: The Truth About Solomon's Key and the Brotherhood

by Robert L.D. Cooper

Prompted by mounting public interest and provoked by controversial stories on the Freemason Society, respected historian and Scottish Freemason Robert L.D. Cooper offers a rare inside look at this secret brotherhood. As curator of the Scottish Masonic Museum and Library, the author has unparalleled access to material dictating the history and function of the Masons.

In Cracking the Freemasons Code Cooper explains the structure of the Masonic interculture, its connections to covert organizations, the identities of historical Masonic members (who include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), the locations of famous Masonic sites, and much more.

Readers will discover the true role Freemasonry has played throughout history, its purposes, the functions of its many members, and the way in which it has helped shape our modern society. Laying out the symbolism, beliefs, and ethos of a Mason, Cooper addresses the considerable amounts of controversy surrounding those practices. His book includes never-before- published images and seldom-seen documents to give readers a privileged view of this elect brotherhood.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2006

Reviews

[Christian D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a valuable read for new Freemasons to get grounded with some basic history and perspective on the Craft, including a reasonably academic perspective and skepticism regarding some of the far-fetched yet widely accepted origin theories of Freemasonry. Non-Masons might find this a little dry, unless very interested in the subject. (Other introductory books are better for a general overview for non-Masons.)

An examination of some very early ritual is interesting. The discussion of symbolism is basic, but still offers an interesting glimpse into Scottish and English symbols, some of which differ from those found American Masonry.

The writing is sometimes repetitive.

The chapter on the Free Gardeners is interesting but seems out of place.

The numerous citations are appreciated, and give the work more credence.

Overall - I’ll be recommending this book to new Masons to get an academic introduction to early Masonic history and gain perspective on the various origin theories.

[Yamato · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me a long time to read through this book.
To be honest, I powered through most of it.

I started out interested in the topic as a follow up to the Da Vinci code which i read many years ago.

some of signs and symbols (the all seeing eye, the compass and square, the 5-point star) origins wefe covered along with influential members (George Washington).

i became uninterested in the topic, unfortunately, which is why i am rating it low.

[Codex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an informed overview of Freemasonry from the historical as well as symbolic and allegorical perspectives. Although the historical treatment may perhaps be too detailed for the average reader in places, it appears at least to be well-researched.

The underlying principles that ultimately drive the set of guidelines at the heart of the code are explained gradually in an open and straightforward manner. This will enable the reader to see how superficial misconceptions can arise and facilitates a better understanding of what Freemasonry is really about.

I find the title interestingly paradoxical because it delivers on its promise—and yet may appear not to.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A closer examination of the relationship between Scottish history and the Craft with an interesting and probably correct disputation against the Sinclair family's claim of involvement in the early history of the Craft. Also, a very interesting chapter on Free Gardnery, about which I knew nothing until reading this.