W. Kirk MacNultyFreemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance

This is a great introduction to the WORLD (Caps added for emphasis) of Freemasonry written in plain language for the Mason and Non-Mason. The full color/black and white pictures are excellent. Brother MacNulty is a loyal Man of the Craft and shares some of his cherised thoughts about the Craft with you within the pages of this book but he is careful not to spoon feed deep esoteric knowledge about the Craft because the Craft is not designed for babies. THE CRAFT IS DESIGNED FOR MEN. We Masons will guide you and give you the tools you need to find the ultimate answers for yourself, AS A MAN! Brother MacNulty is one of the brightest Masonic stars to come out from the state of Virginia. And like me, he is a member of both American and British Freemasonry. The knowledge resulting in his dual membership is reflected in this excellent book. Read "Freemasonry; A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol, also by Brother MacNulty, for a deeper understanding of the Craft. And finally, read "The Way of The Craftsman", also by Brother MacNulty, if you are a Master Mason interested in the ESOTERIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRAFT. I could say more to address the funny anti-masons but will not because that would be spoon feeding.

I am a Master Mason and also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason so feel qualified to give an opinion, recognizing that other may not share my viewpoint.Masonry is not for everybody, but this book goes a long way to tell the story in a manner that many non-Mason's can understand. There is very little these days that is "secret" and our Lodge is very open, even having its installations open to the public.I concur that Masonry is not a religion, but it does reinforce my Christian beliefs, as well as those other religions we have in our Lodge.This is a good book, not perfect, but well worth having and reading. I am enjoying reliving much of what I learned along the way and seeing how Masons around the globe work.I recommend this book to those wanting to know more about this great Fraternity, home to many generations of Americans, including a large number of our founding Fathers.

I was originally on the fence as to whether I was going to purchase this book or not, but it was the negative reviews which finally sold it to me. During my short 34 years on the earth, I have seen over and over again that the less people understand something, the more they will try to degrade it, and based on the ignorant opinions stated, I assumed it must be a wonderful book. It is true that the book is mostly pictures. That is because the entirety of Freemasonry is based on symbolism. MacNulty doesn't give the "deep hidden meanings" behind the symbols because except for a general description given at the time of initiation, it is up to the individual to formulate his own meanings behind the symbols. This is an excellent book which gives a concise, accurate history of Freemasonry and an astounding library of paintings and photos.

Nice Masonic read.

The book is quite big, hard cover, and has many interesting photos. You can riffle through it if you have interest in the Craft .

Great book for those interested

Excellence of scholarship

What a beautiful book for those interested in the Craft and those who have been in it for while. Any Traveler of the East should have this on their coffee table.

Although there was little that was truly "new" in this book(apart from some of the commentary), it was worth every pennyas it collects the images & hypotheses from many different sourcesinto a single location.I don't rate it quite as highly as his "Way of the Craftsman"but this is still a recommended addition to the library of anyreader who has an interest in Freemasonry.

Really gets to grips with the origin of the craft

Great book full of Masonic imagery

Excellent!!

Essentially a coffee table book. The book itself is of a large size being square in shape rather than the usual rectangle.In terms of content the book covers:- when did Masonry begin historically- what are the basic 3 degrees- what are the post craft degrees- what impact have masons had on society- what are Masonic secrets, a look at symbology- famous Masons in historyNone of the above will be unfamiliar to most with an interest in Masonry, so why get the book? Each section has a host of pictures of regalia and historical items. Many of these items have been hand crafted with such care than you'll find yourself engrossed in them, just wanting to look at them. The quality of pictures presented in the book were superb. It is obvious that some real effect when into capturing each item just perfect.Retuning then to the start, this is a coffee table book on a subject that gets most peoples attention. Most people pick mine up and scan through it. Most sit looking at the pictures for ages, which illustrates the beauty of Masonry that this book captures.I thoroughly recommend the book to anyone with an interest in Masonry, or if you are a Mason yourself. You won't regret your purchase.