This book was written by an experienced Freemason especially for the rank and file member of the ordinary lodge, and, in particular, for the young, keen Craftsman who wishes to learn the exact nature of Freemasonry‘s claim to have a history going back to ancient days, who seeks to get a clear, honest view of the emergence of speculative Freemasonry late in mediaeval days and of its amazing growth as an esoteric System during the eighteenth century. Its special purpose is to give, in concise, easy-to-read sentences, authentic information (based as far as possible on modern research and far removed from mere fanciful imaginings) on a wide variety of masonic matters. lt elucidates the chief facts of masonic history, tradition, and lore, and has scope and range far greater than those of any comparable work. Its early chapters teil of operative masonry, particularly in its relation to speculative, and the major part of the book is a compendium of information succinctly expressed and intelligently arranged, concerning the usages and eustoms, principles and tenets, words and phrases, lodge appointments and working tools, symbols and emblems, etc., to which the Freemason‘s attendance at lodge introduces him. With the heip of this book, the Craftsman will have 110 difficulty in making a daily advancement in masonic knowledge, and he will find in its ample, satisfring index the key to a great store of knowledge, much of which will come as a revelation to hirn.
The late Bernard E. Jones, a Freemason of nearly fifty years‘ standing, was exceptionally qualified for the writing of this work.