Bibliograph

The Freemasons, a history of the world's most powerful secret society, Jasper Ridley

Type

Label

The Freemasons, a history of the world's most powerful secret society, Jasper Ridley

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 318-332) and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The Freemasons

Nature of contents

bibliography

Responsibility statement

Jasper Ridley

Sub title

a history of the world's most powerful secret society

Summary

Provides an in-depth history of freemasonry, exploring the inner workings of the powerful secret society, refuting many of the myths about the order, and shedding new light on the contributions of the freemasons to world history"The Freemasons are a subject of endless fascination. To the layman, they are a mysterious brotherhood of profound if uncertain influence, a secret society purported, in some popular histories, to have its roots in the fabled order of the Knights Templar or in the mysteries of the Egyptian pyramids. They evoke fears of world domination by a select few who enjoy privileged access to wealth and the levers of power. The secrecy of their rites suggests the taint of sacrilege, and their hidden loyalties are sometimes accused of undermining the workings of justice and the integrity of nations, In shining a light on a society cloaked in mystery, [this book] provides balance, fluid writing, meticulous research, and a thoughtful perspective. But one of the pleasures of this book not to be overlooked is that it also comprises a compendium of notable Freemasons throughout the centuries, a Who's Who of prominent politicians and other leaders, writers, businessmen, thinkers and artists. Jasper Ridley concludes his illuminating and immensely readable survey with a chapter on Freemasonry in America today and an answer to the question, Are the Freemasons a menace?"--Back cover

Table Of Contents

The masons -- The heretics -- The seventeenth century -- Grand Lodge -- The Pope's bull -- Germany and France -- English Grand Lodge : 'Wilkes and liberty!' -- Troubles and scandals -- The American Revolution -- The Magic flute -- The French Revolution -- Loyalist and revolutionary Freemasons -- Napoleon -- The Restoration -- The case of William Morgan -- The Lautaro Lodge -- The nineteenth century -- The new assault on Freemasonry -- Freemasonry in the world -- Modern Freemasonry in Britain -- Modern Freemasonry in the United States -- Are the Freemasons a menace?

Classification