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.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautifully illustrated, easy/enjoyable read, BUT, BEWARE
Review: Summary: MacNulty has put together a beautifully illustrated "collectors" quality book, that has some interesting information on the symbolism of Freemasonry's first 3 degrees, along with its early and recent history. It has 130 illustrations (including 17 color glossies). Review: MacNulty has reviewed Freemasonry's most accessible secrets (first three degrees) and its related symbolism. He begins with the speculative ancient history (Hiram Abiff, Solomon's Chief Architect) through to the age of the medieval guilds when Freemasonry has valid records, to modern times. MacNulty discusses Freemasonry's outward tenets of brotherhood, spiritual fulfilment, cosmic enlightenment (to the ancient mysteries and secrets) and social responsibility. He further discusses the Christian Biblical origin of U.K. as well as American Freemasonry - ceremonies and oaths using the Judeo-Christian bible; but notes the oriental (middle eastern) and far eastern development of Freemasonry - using non-Christian holy books (Koran, etc.) occurred just before and around the time of the American Revolution. MacNulty somewhat dispels the concept that America's Founding Fathers - if they were in fact Freemasons - developed the US separation of church and state to mean separation of the State from ALL churches and religions, but a separation of a Christian state from any specific Christian church. American Freemasonry was solidly "Christian" - the Christian (i.e. not Catholic, not Protestant, not Lutheran) bible was specifically used and referred to in all official rites and ....actions. MacNulty further specifies that atheists were not accepted under any condition, therefore atheists who use the separation of the church from state to force their religious beliefs on the remaining 97% of the U.S. have no historical (freemason) basis for their argument for banning "God" from public offices, buildings and ceremony. MacNulty gives explains the Jungian psychological principles in his explanation of the Blue Lodge degrees , and discusses the "mysteries learned from mystical Freemasonry. Deep mysticism or self searching. He explains that the Masonic Rituals illustrate stories, symbolism is show through acting out the rites, and are for each member to interpret - until these truths can be revealed to higher degree initiates (see BEWARE below). MacNulty shows the symbolism of "Mysteries" and "Mystery Schools" in Freemasonry, (first three degrees) but, does not show what these "mysteries" are, what "God" they surround, and what creed they support. Rather, MacNulty surmises that it is up to the individual to find their own truths to the ancient mysteries - a relativistic argument that I do not agree with, but others accept. This debate is beyond the scope of MacNulty's book which only reviews the symbolism of the first Three Degrees (out of 33 degrees). These higher mysteries are committed to by initiates in order to attain the first Three Degrees, but are not known until they attain much higher levels. Even then, these mysteries are only gradually revealed as brothers become initiates of various higher degrees. I point this out because so many other authors (and 33 degree masons) demonstrate that each of the Templar spin-off brotherhood societies (including freemasonry) eventually lead to Satanism, or a type of Satanism. This is virtually opposite the promoted Third Degree presentations. Negatives: The information was so well written, informative, interesting, and easily read that I found myself wanting more. Conversely, if MacNulty wrote in more depth, or breadth it would probably have been too much information and might have broken the pace and enjoyment of the read because the text is well matched to the illustrations.. BUT, BEWARE! Also, McNulty should have touched upon the openly communicated Satanic beliefs of the 33rd degree Masonic Leaders like Albert Pike who explains Masonry (in his well-known book 'Morals And Dogma'), "Masonry, like all the Religions, all the Mysteries conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explainations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be mislead..."page 104-105 "The Blue Degrees are but the outer court or portico of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to Initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them, but it is intended he shall imagine he understands them." page 819 Also, "That which we must say to a crowd is - We worship a God, but it is the God that one adores without superstition. To you, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, we say this, that you may repeat it to the Brethren of the 32nd, 31st, and 30th degrees - The Masonic Religion should be, by all of us initates of the high degrees, maintained in the purity of the Luciferian Doctrine." "If Lucifer were not God, would Adonay whose deeds prove his cruelty, perdify and hatred of man, barbarism and repulsion for science, would Adonay and his priests, calumniate him? Yes, Lucifer is God, and unfortunately Adonay is also god. For the eternal law is that there is no light without shade, no beauty without ugliness, no white without black, for the absolute can only exist as two gods: darkness being necessary to the statue, and the brake to the locomotive." "Thus, the doctrine of Satanism is a heresy; and the true and pure philosophical religion is the belief in Lucifer, the equal of Adonay; but Lucifer, God of Light and God of Good, is struggling for humanity against Adonay, the God of Darkness and Evil." (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) And, "Lucifer, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the son of the morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with it's splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual or selfish Souls? Doubt it not!" Morals and Dogma page 321 These statements by Freemasonry's foremost leader speak for themselves.
Rating:
Summary: Graphic Mastery
Review: The graphics are inspiring and meaningful to all true Masons.However, you should carefuly study the text as well. I would recommend this to all good and faithful Masons as something to be lifted up and studied carefully. J.Chapin PM Maugus Hill Lodge AF&AM Natick, MA
Rating:
Summary: An illustrated thesis incorporating Jungian psychology.
Review: The historical illustrations of Masonic tracing boards are a rare find, and the incorporation of Jungian psychological principles into an explanation of the Blue Lodge degrees made quite fascinating reading; provoking some insight into the dreams I experienced while going through the Masonic rituals.
Rating: 
Summary: Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol
Review: The illustrations and pictures in the book are wonderful....if nothing else, people interested in Freemasonry should get this book for the pictures. The illustrations helped make the stories and principles behind Freemasonry easier to understand and visualize. The pictures and illustrations, by the way, are not MacNulty's creation, rather they are a collection of pictures and illustrations taken from various museums and Lodges from around the world. Unfortunately, much of the text is infused with Freudian/Jungian dribble and psychobable which diminishes the book by giving it a junk science/pseudoscientific flavor. MacNulty tries to do what some psychologists tried to do with Beatle music many years ago. Most people back then listened to the music because it sounded different and made them feel good. However, some psychologists tried to psychoanalyze the lyrics and the musicians (John, Paul, Ringo, and George) by equating the whole thing with the Id which really represents the ego who is undergoing a catharsis because the superego is in denial. All this because the ego wanted to murder the father and marry the mother.... Well, you get the idea. It's so grating, like listening to someone scratch the blackboard with their fingernails. To sum up: If you get the book and are turned off by psychobable, then look at the pictures and cover the main text up with your hands. It's okay to peek at the captions though.
Rating:
Summary: Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol
Review: The illustrations and pictures in the book are wonderful....if nothing else, people interested in Freemasonry should get this book for the pictures. The illustrations helped make the stories and principles behind Freemasonry easier to understand and visualize. The pictures and illustrations, by the way, are not MacNulty's creation, rather they are a collection of pictures and illustrations taken from various museums and Lodges from around the world. Unfortunately, much of the text is infused with Freudian/Jungian dribble and psychobable which diminishes the book by giving it a junk science/pseudoscientific flavor. MacNulty tries to do what some psychologists tried to do with Beatle music many years ago. Most people back then listened to the music because it sounded different and made them feel good. However, some psychologists tried to psychoanalyze the lyrics and the musicians (John, Paul, Ringo, and George) by equating the whole thing with the Id which really represents the ego who is undergoing a catharsis because the superego is in denial. All this because the ego wanted to murder the father and marry the mother.... Well, you get the idea. It's so grating, like listening to someone scratch the blackboard with their fingernails. To sum up: If you get the book and are turned off by psychobable, then look at the pictures and cover the main text up with your hands. It's okay to peek at the captions though.
Rating:
Summary: Great Symbolism
Review: This book contains 133 illustrations and 17 of them are in colour. This is not so much a book about Freemasonry as a book about the sybolism in Freemasonry. This is a wonderful book to have, if your interest is in symbolism. The pictures alone make the book worth purchasing.
Rating:
Summary: Good Pictures But Lacks Content
Review: This book has excellent pictures; however, is lacking in the content department. I would recommend the book for the visual person.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books on Masonic symbology
Review: This book is one of the best books on Masonic symbology. Clear and concise, it gives a rational history and explanation of Masonry. The author has also written the hard-to-find "Way of the Craftsman". Brothers may relax; this is not an expose nor does it divulge secrets. It will help the esoteric-minded Mason learn more about the hidden mysteries of the Craft. There are reviews by those who know nothing of mysteries nor Freemasonry, notably 'madmeeting' and 'Pimentel'. Don't be dissuaded. This book is a summary both for the Mason and the public, and is a must-have for the researcher. Five stars!
Rating: 
Summary: Good pictures.....text leaves a bit to be desired
Review: This book reads a lot like an entry-level psychology textbook where you get a taste of what is about to come, but you never quite get there. The author has gone to some great pain to provide you a psychological overview of what various signs and symbols mean in regard to Freemasonry. Instead of taking the symbology at face value, as most people would do, the author has "read between the lines" and interpreted what is "really meant" by the working tools, and so forth, of the craft. My impression is that much of the interpretation is a bit far fetched. Case in point, the author states on page 31, "This collection of symbols, and particularly their proximity to the place in the Temple where Divinity is said to reside, indicates that a Master Mason, in the sense that we are defining him, is a person who is conscious at a psychological level which relates to the World of the Spirit in the same way that our ordinary ego is conscious of the body and the physical world." Overall, this book is a rapid fire snapshot of many works of art regarding Masonry, but the emphasis is more-or-less on a pseudo-psychological impression that one man has attempted to define and apply to the craft. The message throughout the book seems a bit juvenile for such a strong subject. The text is well written though and has found a place on my bookshelf, if for no other reason than the pictures that accompany the text. The photographs throughout the book make it worth buying if no other reason applies.
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