Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest “secret society” in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings.
With new and improved content, including updated examples and references throughout, this new edition of Freemasons For Dummies provides the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide to the subject on the market.
Updated expert coverage of the basic beliefs and philosophy behind Freemasonry
Revised information on the history of the society, including updates concerning its founding, famous historical members, and pivotal events
New coverage devoted to the recent influx of younger membership
The latest and ongoing controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry
The role of women in a Masonic organization, including opportunities for women to participate in Freemasonry
The effects cultural and political changes and worldwide events are having on the organization
If you’re intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies.
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
Take the mystery out of the Freemasons
Curious about Freemasonry? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest “secret society” in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites to its countless symbols and their meanings. If you’re intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies.
Freemasonry 101 find out what Freemasonry is (and isn’t), get a crash course in Masonic history from 1000 B.C. until today, and grasp the basic beliefs and philosophy of the Masonic institution
The stones and mortar of Freemasonry discover what goes on in a Masonic lodge, from the officers and governing powers of Grand Lodges to the ceremonies and rituals of Freemasonry
Who’s who shine a light on the many different groups (known as appendant bodies) within the Masonic family: who joins them, who can join them, and why they do
Modern Freemasonry get insights into how a very old, very private fraternity that advocates faith, morality, harmony, and personal responsibility survives in an age of isolation and indifference
Famous Freemasons get to know famous Freemasons, from founding fathers, civil rights activists, and scientists to musicians, actors, and sports figures
Open the book and find:
How Freemasonry unites men of different ages, faiths, and cultures
The symbols, myths, and misconceptions of Freemasonry
Details on the three essential Masonic degrees
The lowdown on the York Rite and the Scottish Rite
Masonic groups for women, children, and fans of funny hats
Facts on how Freemasonry varies from one country to another
Details on how to find a lodge and become a Mason
Ten amazing conspiracies, anti-Masons, and hoaxes
Learn:
What goes on in a Masonic meeting
The true purposes of Masonic “secrecy” and philosophy
Facts about famous Masons throughout history
Which other civic organizations are related to Freemasonry
From the Back Cover
Take the mystery out of the Freemasons
Curious about Freemasonry? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest “secret society” in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites to its countless symbols and their meanings. If you’re intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies.
Freemasonry 101 — find out what Freemasonry is (and isn’t), get a crash course in Masonic history from 1000 B.C. until today, and grasp the basic beliefs and philosophy of the Masonic institution
The stones and mortar of Freemasonry — discover what goes on in a Masonic lodge, from the officers and governing powers of Grand Lodges to the ceremonies and rituals of Freemasonry
Who’s who — shine a light on the many different groups (known as appendant bodies) within the Masonic family: who joins them, who can join them, and why they do
Modern Freemasonry — get insights into how a very old, very private fraternity that advocates faith, morality, harmony, and personal responsibility survives in an age of isolation and indifference
Famous Freemasons — get to know famous Freemasons, from founding fathers, civil rights activists, and scientists to musicians, actors, and sports figures
Open the book and find:
How Freemasonry unites men of different ages, faiths, and cultures
The symbols, myths, and misconceptions of Freemasonry
Details on the three essential Masonic degrees
The lowdown on the York Rite and the Scottish Rite
Masonic groups for women, children, and fans of funny hats
Facts on how Freemasonry varies from one country to another
Details on how to find a lodge and become a Mason
Ten amazing conspiracies, anti-Masons, and hoaxes
Learn:
What goes on in a Masonic meeting
The true purposes of Masonic “secrecy” and philosophy
Facts about famous Masons throughout history
Which other civic organizations are related to Freemasonry
About the Author
Christopher Hodapp has been an active Freemason and board member in his home state of Indiana for many years and holds memberships in several national Masonic organizations. He has written numerous articles and has contributed to several documentaries about Masonry. He is editor of the Journal of the Masonic Society and has authored and co-authored several books on the topic including The Templar Code For Dummies and Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies.