Posted by Austin Lodge 19 F&AM
February 19, 2024
Here are some good books to read before joining a lodge, in no particular order:
1) “Freemasonry for Dummies” by Christopher Hoddap
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119843421
In spite of the name this is one of the best books to provide general information about Freemasonry. It is written by a very learned brother and has been updated several times.
2) “Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry” by Brent S. Morris
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592574904
Similar to the previous book, this is also written by a very renowned masonic scholar. It offers great general information about the craft.
3) “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812968255
Great philosophical text that is easily accessible even to non-philosophy majors.
4) “Philosophy 101” by Paul Kleinmann
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1440567670
Freemasonry has many philosophical underpinnings, and to get a basic knowledge can only be helpful.
5) “Secret Teachings of All Ages” by Manly P. Hall
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486471438
Keep in mind that Manly P. Hall wrote this tome before he became a mason and some of the information regarding Freemasonry might not be absolutely accurate. Nevertheless, it contains many of the underpinnings of Freemasonry and is a solid basis upon which to rear your future Masonic edifice. Other information is just interesting to show some of the ancient knowledge that was available in the past, but has since become outdated.
6) “Age of Enlightenment” by Captivating History
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647480205
Freemasonry as an organized fraternity is a product of the enlightenment era. If you are interested in its historical roots, this would be a good starting point.
7) “The Art of Virtue” by Benjamin Franklin
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0938399101
Brother Franklin was a prolific writer, and this is one of the general texts that explains some of this insights into timeless philosophy.
8) “The Craft” by John Dickie
https://www.amazon.com/dp/161039867X
Interesting read by a non-mason that delves into the history of Freemasonry.
