Rating: 
Summary: Explaining What's Behind The Symbolism
Review: This is one of the best books on Freemasonry I've ever read. It dives into the meaning behind the symbolism and gets to the roots of Freemasonry, in the process making the individual a better man. If you're looking for explaination on masonic ritual, this is a great start. Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Best book I have read in years
Review: .... and I'm finding that any answers I find lead to more questions. This is a challenging book, make no mistake. I've taken a long time to complete it. But for those interested in the 'speculative' (i.e. the philospohical and allegorical aspects of Craft lore) it's an invaluable read.
To be fair, Wilmshurst takes such a western/Christian take on the Craft, that others may be put off... I have no problem with it. I would, just as quickly, take up a similar discussion of the Craft from a Judaic or Islamic (or even Buddhist or Hindu) point of view, because one cannot fully understand a concept until one looks at it from many different angles.
"The Meaning of Masonry" is just but a small footstep into a larger world. If you're a non-Mason, or not an individual who's clearly seeking the metaphoric 'light', then this book will pose an even greater challenge.
Rating:
Summary: Four months to read this Little Book.....
Review: .... and I'm finding that any answers I find lead to more questions. This is a challenging book, make no mistake. I've taken a long time to complete it. But for those interested in the 'speculative' (i.e. the philospohical and allegorical aspects of Craft lore) it's an invaluable read.
To be fair, Wilmshurst takes such a western/Christian take on the Craft, that others may be put off... I have no problem with it. I would, just as quickly, take up a similar discussion of the Craft from a Judaic or Islamic (or even Buddhist or Hindu) point of view, because one cannot fully understand a concept until one looks at it from many different angles.
"The Meaning of Masonry" is just but a small footstep into a larger world. If you're a non-Mason, or not an individual who's clearly seeking the metaphoric 'light', then this book will pose an even greater challenge.
Rating:
Summary: The Meaning of Masonry
Review: A fine book that avoids the often sought route of showing the mason's history and what we have done. This book focuses on what masonry is and tries to offer a deeper understanding of what masonry is.An excellent way of learning more about the craft
Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: Although this book isn't for the "average" Mason, it should be required reading for every Mason once he recieves his 3rd degree. It shines light on the entire process and explains what one should be learning and experiencing with the process of being made a Master Mason. It is a very deep and spiritual book, as Masonry should be a very deep and spiritual process. I have found that which was lost in this book.
Rating:
Summary: The deeper meanings explained.
Review: An excellent book for members of the Craft who seek the answers to much of what we miss in our basic instruction. Gives an outstanding account of how we should view the deeper meanings of the Craft. Of little value to non-Masons
Rating: 
Summary: Good Intro to the Fraternity
Review: As stated on page 47, "The very essence of the Masonic doctrine is that all men in this world are in search of something in their own nature which they have lost, but that with proper instruction and by their own patience and industry they may hope to find." Ironically, this was my intent behind buying this book. I read it cover to cover and all it did was whet my appetite to delve further into the craft to discover more insight and gain more understanding of what the fraternity represents. Good read, but takes a while to get through the historical hum-drum. Do not read while laying down. :-)
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Interpretation For Limited Readership
Review: Despite the drab editorial review, Wilmshurst's book is an excellent interpretation of Freemasonic philosophy. Unfortunately, it will have little to offer for those who are not Freemasons. Perhaps, sadly, it will also have little to offer to those who ARE Freemasons. With the rise of the so-called "Realistic" school of Freemasonry, the spiritual heritage and import of the Craft has been dilluted and, in some cases, despised. I have written in the past that Freemasonry exists and has exited for one reason, i.e., to provide the phenomenological proof of a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. The "Realistic" school would have us believe that Freemasonry is no more than an agrandized Optomists Club. Wilmshurst provides a clear insight into WHY the Craft has endured and why many thoughtful men have been drawn to its door.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Interpretation For Limited Readership
Review: Despite the drab editorial review, Wilmshurst's book is an excellent interpretation of Freemasonic philosophy. Unfortunately, it will have little to offer for those who are not Freemasons. Perhaps, sadly, it will also have little to offer to those who ARE Freemasons. With the rise of the so-called "Realistic" school of Freemasonry, the spiritual heritage and import of the Craft has been dilluted and, in some cases, despised. I have written in the past that Freemasonry exists and has exited for one reason, i.e., to provide the phenomenological proof of a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. The "Realistic" school would have us believe that Freemasonry is no more than an agrandized Optomists Club. Wilmshurst provides a clear insight into WHY the Craft has endured and why many thoughtful men have been drawn to its door.
Rating: 
Summary: Only for Masons, if at all!
Review: I am an active Freemason and reguarly read as much on the subject as I can. I must say that this is one of the worst books I have read regarding Freemasonry. I think a lot of it has to do with the time it was published (the last century). Even for a Mason, the reading is slow and dull. Save yourself the time, don't read this one.
|
