Description
Book SynopsisHistorians often make a sharp distinction between the operative Masonry of the Middle Ages and the speculative Masonry of modern times, emphasizing that there is no direct bridge connecting the two. Modern historians also have scoffed at Masonic claims concerning the close relationship between the Lodge and the Temple. Using medieval archives housed throughout Europe, historian Paul Naudon reveals that there was in fact a very intimate connection between the Masons and the Knights Templar. Church records of medieval Paris show that most, if not all, the Masons of that time were residents of the Templar censive, which allowed them to enjoy great exemptions and liberties from both church and state as a result of the protection afforded them by this powerful order. Naudon shows that the origins of Freemasonry can be traced back to the collegia of ancient Rome. He traces the evolution of organizations such as the Comacine Masters, the Arab turuqs,and the brotherhoods of builders created under the aegis of the Benedictines and the Knights Templar, all of which provide the vehicle for the transmission of a sacred tradition from pre-Christian times to the modern era. This tradition is the source of Masonic ritual and symbolism, and it provides the missing link in the transformation of the operative Masonry of the medieval cathedral builders to the spiritual principles of modern speculative Masonry.
Trade Review"For hardcore aficionados of architecture and academics interested in the creation of social sacred space across time, this book is a must-read." * Publishers Weekly, Apr. 11, 2005 *
"Naudon's book is a historic
tour-de-force . . . . Those intrigued with such books as
The DaVinci Code will find in
The Secret History of Freemasony the historic truths which underlie the novelists' free-wheeling sspeculations." * Robert Simmons, Metaphysical Buyers Guide, Holiday 2005 *
"A fascinating book for those with more than a passing interest in architecture as the conscious act of creating sacred space as well as an appreciation of Freemasonty as symbolising man's spiritual quest to build the unseen Temple of the Lord on earth." * The Beacon, Nov-Dec 2005 *
". . . examines both Freemason history and spiritual concepts and how they changed form early to modern times. . . . fascinating and informative chapters covering everything from cooperative masonry associations to speculative masonry rituals." * Bookwatch, The Midwest Book Review, Nov 2005 *
"Readers interested in secret societies and Freemasonry will enjoy this well-written account. Those interested in the connection to the Knights Templar will find this must-reading! Highly enjoyable!" * Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, Feb 17, 2006 *
“I learned more about the facts underlying Freemasonry in this one book than in a dozen others I have read. I highly recommend it to those who wish to learn more about this fascinating topic.” * Mike Gleason, Witchgrove, March 2007 *
"Naudon's book is an impressive work of scholarship grounded in fascinating ideas about sacred space, the rituals of building churches, cathedrals and temples, as well as the varied brotherhoods established to conduct what was once considered a divinely inspired activity." * Publishers Weekly, Apr. 11, 2005 *
Table of ContentsPreface
IntroductionPart 1--The Origins of Freemasonry from Ancient Times to the Middle Ages1--The Ancient Corporations: Colleges of Builders in Rome
2--The Collegia and the Barbarian Invasions
3--Ecclesiastical and Monastic Associations
4--Secular Brotherhoods: The Germanic and Anglo-Saxon Guilds
5--The Crusades and the Templars
6--The Templars, the Francs Métiers, and Freemasonry
7--The Templars and the Parisian Builders
Part 2--From the Art of Building to the Art of Thinking8--Mason Corporations in France
9--Builders Corporations in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland
10--The Corporative Masonry of Great Britain
11--Universal Freemasonry
12--Speculative Freemasonry
13--The Grand Lodges and Modern Freemasonry
Conclusion
Notes
Index
