The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World

I'd recommend this, to all those interested in Freemasonry...But especially new MM...

I have purchased many books in the past authored by John Dickie and, like those, this one did not disappoint. I learnt lots of new things, had suspicions confirmed and previous personal research on the subject verified. I have a number of Masonic books written from both inside and outside of the Craft. This excellent book will sit nicely amongst them, for a future re-read as well as a source of information.

Interesting description of history and associated mythology. Rather lengthy discussion of fascist persecutions of masons. Glosses over role of masonry in local corruption, cover-ups and fixing. Worth reading.

Excellent eye opening read, well written, I finished it in a couple of days, stuff I never knew, even though I’m a Freemason of 35 years.

An excellent book, with a lot of information.

Good

Full of information and Historical events that I wasn't aware of previously. I'm glad I purchased this when I.did.

Great history. Pretty balanced account. Histories of Masonry in Italy and Spain particularly fascinating. Want to read more on this subject

The Craft is an excellent history book on Freemasonry that presents it in a light that’s never been done before. The author explores Freemasonry from where it originated to the modern times with the internet that boasts nothing is hidden or secret. As an African American, I appreciate how much in-depth he explored Prince Hall Masonry and the struggle Black Americans faced in politics, society as well as in the fraternity itself, with recognition being a considerable issue. Some Mainstream Masons still don’t recognize Prince Hall Masons to this day because of claims that The Grand Lodge of England never formally identified their charter. But being that it’s the 21st century, it should be awarded, especially if most of those men pledge their lives to the cardinal principles of Masonry and live an upright life.Again, this book, The Craft, presents Masonic history in a rich historical context and further explores some of the issues of Freemasonry and the persecution the fraternity faced throughout the age of its inception—the Catholic Church and dictators such as Hitler and Mussolini. The author covers ground from Scotland to India and other parts of the Middle East and Asia where masonry was introduced.The book showed how the fraternity turned from a place of primarily religious ties into a fraternal institution that allows religious tolerance to create a place where men and women (in some places) could experience brotherhood and harmony respectfully without the threat of political oppression or religious persecution, interference, or discrimination from different religious dogmas.Dickie, with his rich historical background on the subject, has outdone himself with this book. Much work, research, interviewing, and time went into this magnum opus on Freemasonry, and I’m glad I purchased it. It made me realize that there are no secrets—only can you keep the secrets of confidentiality, solidarity, friendship, and brotherly love.I highly recommend it as an introduction and reference for those who are interested and those who are in Masonry, respectfully. It’s always good to know what you’re getting into and where you come from.

Anyone interested in reading all about Masonry is well advised to buy this book. It is an accurate depiction of the basic beliefs and activities of Masons in Lodges. It captures the essential innocence, usefulness and even banality of Masonic doctrines. Masonry wraps in secrets the morality that we all ought to practice and sometimes don't. I also found it to be informative regarding the various schools, offshoots, schisms and branches of anf from Masonry. Altogether first rate if the subject interests you at all.

Sehr gut und schnell geliefert

Per la prima volta, per quanto ne so, una storia della massoneria ragionevole e.convincente, realistica ed umanamente probabile scritta da un professore di Oxford con abbondanza di dettagli. Fin dalle prime battute si intuisce d'essere sulla. buona strada. Un'opera da leggere assolutamente, per la prima volta una novità assoluta e. convincente su un argomento dominato fino ad oggi da leggende malferme. L'autore, John Dickie, è un autore di grande qualità, innovativo, a suo modo, geniale.

I certainly acknowledge that this history of free masonry is a significant piece of research. That doesn't necessarily translate into a good read. Ultimately, I choked and gave up.