Die Freimaurer

by Jeremy Harwood

A full and intriguing account of the rituals, signs and symbols associated with the beliefs and history of Freemasonry. Explore the mystical symbolism of the Square and the Compass, the Five-Pointed Star, the All-Seeing Eye, the Sun and Moon, and many others. Find out about the history of the Masonic movement, and the myths and preconceptions that have grown up around it. Discover how the rituals in Freemasonry today are steeped in mystery and symbolism from the past. Copiously illustrated.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Randy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am interested in the Freemasons for one reason; they utilize an incredible number of symbols that have reverberated through many centuries. This book is a positive overview of many of the groups’ practices and symbology. Almost a children’s book in it’s extremely friendly and high quality graphic style, it does a clear and useful job of explaining something opaque and mysterious.

Common symbols used in much of their iconography and architecture include the square, compass, Egyptian pyramids, pillars, the all seeing eye, the sun, moon, globes, geometric shapes and stairs and ladders. There are many more but they are terrifically influential on our money, in government architecture and financial buildings. Despite the wide acceptance of the symbols, the Freemasons themselves have been the subjects of suspicion as an all powerful cult. Perhaps wielding so many powerful symbols is itself a cause for such primordial fear and loathing.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A superficial, predominantly historical account of the secret society of the Free Masons - highly repetative, most of the relevant information can be gleaned early on and then is touched on again in different forms throughout.

[Mark Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, nice illustrations, short book. But for all the explanation of Masonic symbols, I want to know why the Mason felt the need to develop such an extensive symbology? And this book didn't really enlighten me on that.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freakin' awesome with lots of pictures! Ha! Bit does a great job explaining the symbolism and history of the Freemasons.

[Dru · Rating 3 out of 5]

A middling-interesting book about the Freemasons. At least it isn't full of lies and bullshit, and calls out all the places where there is definitely no factual evidence (such as the masons tracing themselves back to Solomon's Temple, for which, by the way, there is also no factual evidence).

Each pair of pages covers a single topic, mostly about why Freemasons use certain symbols, and that makes the book snap along pretty well. If nothing else, the imagery is rich and interesting.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

He covers a lot of territory. I will need to read more since members of the family belonged.

[Kayzad Jokhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book scratches the surface of a very deep topic, but I don't think it was intended to be an in-depth study. It does not really do any "unlocking the 1000-year-old mysteries of the brotherhood" as the subtitle suggests.
However, it is accurate, visually stimulating; each page has suitable illustrations for the topic being spoken about. Each chapter spans 2 sides of a page, which is understandably a very, very brief scratching of the surface. However, it is apt to give someone an overview of the fraternity of the Freemasons as a mini coffee table book.
What is commendable is the author's ability to span such a wide array of subtopics and condense it into consumable, bite-sized pieces without being cumbersome to the reader.

[Reese Chism · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book in Borders first, due to the clearance price on it and second because it is my frat. So far what I have read is interesting but I need to give more time to give a real explanation about the book.

[Izzie Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. Anyone interested in the subject at hand would enjoy this book.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a interesting book on Freemasons. Lots of descriptions and Illustrations and an overall fascinating read.