Meaning of Masonry

Rating:
Summary: Articulate, Informative, Inspiring
Review: This book contains a deeper view of masonry than what we are given in lodge. Wilmshurst takes into his own hands, expanding the bare bones of lecture and lets it 'flower' in our conciousness. This is not the best book written, he is sometimes dry, BUT it is very informative and offers new ideas. Not only are the contents rich at times, but his delivery is very rich at times. His writing style is unique, and makes me feel like he is holding in front of me a grand but disguised treasure.... (one of those 'hmmm, hmm, AH-HA!' books)

Rating:
Summary: superb book on the deeper meanings of the Lodge
Review: This book delves into the real meaning of the symbols and rituals of the lodge. It is not for the simply cusious. However, if you are not a member of the craft and this book interests you, then find a Mason and find out more

Rating:
Summary: Very insightful and thought provoking
Review: This book is a must read for anyone interested in more than just a surface treatment of masonry. I found this book more insightful and thought provoking than many others I have read concerning free masonry. Oh that other organizations could take the principles to heart.

Rating:
Summary: Not worth the read if you are 'searching'!
Review: This book was originally published in the late 1800s!!!! If you want 'out-of-date' pro-Christian, totally biased wordage then this is the book for you. The dust of the ages still cling to this 'resurrected' edition. It should have been left to RIP! It does a great disservice to the Fraternity, presenting it in a light which should be hidden under a bushel. I give it (1) as I personally acknowledge that all written material merits something. This book does have covers after all! A UGLoE Mason.

Rating:
Summary: A Hard read in old fashion style but well worth studying
Review: This is a classic book on mystical Freemasonry. Wilmshurst's writing was good in his day but is a hard read nowadays, be nests his clauses ten deep at times. Nevertheless it is well worth studying. It explains how Freemasonry is more than a dinning club and charitable organisation, this shows how it is a spiritual pathway to self improvment.
If you are a Mason it is worth reading to understand the deeper secrets of the Craft. If you are a non-Mason and just iunterested this will explain what attracts so many people to Freemasonry
The only drawback is the old fashioned writing style. Perhaps one day a modern Masonic writer will translate it into modern language and make its ideas more accessable.

Rating:
Summary: Students of Masonry, read this book first
Review: Wilmhurst does the best job of anyone clearly proving the controversial case that Freemasonry is the actually the last remaining repository of a truly ancient philosophy,cosmology, and explaination of the nature of reality still available to modern man. The first book to read in any serious journey into the self discovery of Freemasonry.

Rating:
Summary: Masonry revealed
Review: Wilmshurst writes far more than a thought provoking book on the subject of Masonry. This is a road map for our, the Masons, journey home. This book however, is not for the average Mason and it is not for the non-Mason at all. (The non-Mason would find it incomprehensible.) But, for any Mason who experiences that inner call, this book will provide welcome insight, and will let you know that you're on the right path. Read it, read it again, read it again, read it again; until it is written in your heart......

Rating:
Summary: Essential for Freemasons with a mystical view of the Craft
Review: Written in the 1920's, the writer interprets Masonic ritual and mythology in a deeply mystical light, positing the Craft as a spiritual system. Its style can appear dated and overly tinged with the theosophical influences of its era, but it rewards in the end. For those masons who prefer not to see the Craft in such a way, this book can be startling, but for those who are truly "speculative" it provides a sane and informed perspective. If you view Masonry simply as an ethical dining club, this is not for you! Otherwise, an important classic of its type.