Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Read With Historic Pictures!
Review: This book offers excellent interpretations of the degrees of Freemasnonry and their symbolic significance. It also offers a wide variey of pictures to show Masonic influence thru-out the ages. This book shows that the roots of Freemasonry in society run deep. The pictures make the book, and the reading is icing on the cake! Recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent resource, now buying my own copy
Review: -Images are informative in ways that are difficult for words to accomplish. One reviewer ("medmeeting") after a useful survey of the book drags up a tired old hoax perpetrated more than a century ago by Leo Taxil, and shows his unfamiliarity with the sources that he quotes evidently at second or third hand. For example, among the quotations is a passage on p. 321 of _Morals_and_Dogma_ in which Albert Pike purportedly confesses to satanism. Typically of this sort of scurrilous genre, the quotation omits the first sentence of the paragraph, which says "The Apocolypse is, to those who receive the nineteenth Degree, the Apotheosis of that Sublime Faith which aspires to God alone, and despises all the pomps and works of Lucifer." The extended quotation attributed to Pike as his "Instructions to the 23 Supreme Councils of the World, July 14, 1889. Recorded by A.C. De La Rive in La Femme et l'Enfant dans la FrancMaconnerie Universelle on page 588" Taxil subsequently admitted was entirely his own fabrication. Caveat lector! The source and distribution of the hoax is well documented, see for example http://www.templarhistory.com/taxil.html.
Rating:
Summary: Lots to offer. Take what you will.
Review: Freemasonry describes itself as "a science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols". This book is a clear example of that definition. All Masons, and even non-Masons, are free to make as much or as little of Freemasonry as they wish. MacNulty's Jungian approach is an interesting new expression of mystical Freemasonry. Deep mysticism or self searching, however, has never been of interest to the majority of Masons, who get a lot out of their Masonry in other ways. Even if you have no taste for the "woo-woo", this book is worth it just for the pictures.
Rating:
Summary: Lots to offer. Take what you will.
Review: Freemasonry describes itself as "a science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols". This book is a clear example of that definition. All Masons, and even non-Masons, are free to make as much or as little of Freemasonry as they wish. MacNulty's Jungian approach is an interesting new expression of mystical Freemasonry. Deep mysticism or self searching, however, has never been of interest to the majority of Masons, who get a lot out of their Masonry in other ways. Even if you have no taste for the "woo-woo", this book is worth it just for the pictures.
Rating:
Summary: Very good pictoral look at freemasonry!
Review: I loved it! This is an excellent book that explains the basics of freemasonry, along with excellent pictures
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Pictures, Trestle Boards and "Tools of the trade"
Review: If you are a Freemason, or are even remotely interested in the subject, you should own this book....if, for no other reason than the fact that this book contains many, many full-color, full-page pictures & other graphics, such as Craft Symbolism, the "Tools" of the Craft, Trestle Boards, etc. This book also contains an overview of Freemasonry, including some of the esoteric aspects of The Craft--even mentioning the Hermetic axiom: "As Above, So Below." I honestly believe all Masons should own books like this--esp., since so many still believe in the outdated concept of not talking about Masonry....even to their own sons and daughters...or, Wives. Leave this book lying around your den or on the coffee table. I keep my copy on the top shelf of my Masonic Research Bookshelf, beside "Duncans Ritual" (collectors edition), The Holy Bible and my Masonic antique items. It really sets-off my little shrine to Masonry! This book has more pictures than you can shake a level at....so, stop twirling your compass and get out your credit card!
Rating:
Summary: The best explanation of the higher meaning behind the ritual
Review: If you read this book you will have more understanding of the original MEANING of Freemasonry and Masonic ritual than 90% of actual modern Freemasons.
It is well explained in this short, well written, and beautifully illustrated book what all the symbolism of the First, Second, and Third degrees were actually intended to mean. This is because the author is as well versed in the mystery religions and sacred architecture of classical times as were the founders of the Craft. Indeed you come to realise that there is a comprehensive and satisfying overview of universal spiritual wisdom in these rituals, of the self, soul, and spirit (the three Principle Officers.) This is not trivial stuff. Indeed, it is pointed out that the ultimate goal of the Third Degree is to actually die to one's self and be reborn. This was also the end goal of the old Mystery Religions- and of any spiritual path worthy of the name.
There are no "secrets" revealed here. The only secrets are those found in your own soul after deep introspection. But these rituals do point the way, and this booklet does prepare your mind on the proper path.
If you would contemplate profound, mind-expanding truths that will move you closer to the universal architect and his creation, then this is your book. If you are primarily interested in fancy rings, funny hats, and go-carts, then perhaps you should look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: The best explanation of the higher meaning behind the ritual
Review: If you read this book you will have more understanding of the original MEANING of Freemasonry and Masonic ritual than 90% of actual modern Freemasons. It is well explained in this short, well written, and beautifully illustrated book what all the symbolism of the First, Second, and Third degrees were actually intended to mean. This is because the author is as well versed in the mystery religions and sacred architecture of classical times as were the founders of the Craft. Indeed you come to realise that there is a comprehensive and satisfying overview of universal spiritual wisdom in these rituals, of the self, soul, and spirit (the three Principle Officers.) This is not trivial stuff. Indeed, it is pointed out that the ultimate goal of the Third Degree is to actually die to one's self and be reborn. This was also the end goal of the old Mystery Religions- and of any spiritual path worthy of the name.
There are no "secrets" revealed here. The only secrets are those found in your own soul after deep introspection. But these rituals do point the way, and this booklet does prepare your mind on the proper path.
If you would contemplate profound, mind-expanding truths that will move you closer to the universal architect and his creation, then this is your book. If you are primarily interested in fancy rings, funny hats, and go-carts, then perhaps you should look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding...
Review: No nonse text. Excellent pictures. It could well be a textbook a day..
Rating:
Summary: Most coherent rational discourse of Freemasonry available
Review: One of the most coherent, rational discourses of Freemasonry available to the modern reader. This text is the intellectual compliment to W. M. Wilmshurst's emotional text "Meaning of Masonry". This will probably prove to be a timeless text for Freemasons and non-Masons alike. It is an important book on my shelf, no trivial statement given that I am a long-time collector and dealer in antiquarian texts. Masonry has been a target of fearful people for many years. From the politically motivated Anti-Mason Party of the early 19th century to the hysterical and sometimes financially venal attacks from self-styled "Christians" still occurring today. MacNulty reminds us that before there was psychology there were The Mysteries, and that even in the distant past these ceremonies were not about religion but about making one's self a better more competent human being. Too many Masons, and non-Masons for that matter, step through the rituals of their life and accept the symbols of their world without consciously reflecting on their purpose. This is not wrong by itself - the intent of Freemasonry is self-discovery by fraternity with other motivated good men. As Freemasons we are charged to serve a portion of our time supporting our families, a portion serving God, and a portion to master our weaknesses and understanding our strengths. The Mysteries like Freemasonry are intended to do this last thing, to make ourselves better men. MacNulty reminds us that conscious reflection means we discover and improve our physical selves faster. That the ceremonies and symbols of Freemasonry represent parts of our conscious and subconscious. When we learn from mistakes, we avoid making them again. When we learn to pace ourselves, we make the world better for those around us. As men what we most owe to our families is a better man. The atheist realizes the value of this conscious effort, and the religious man remembers that God has charged us to rise to Him and Freemasonry can help us serve Him. If we choose to see. I recommend taking this book down at least once or twice a year. Remember our charge: learn to subdue our passions, learn to be better men.
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