The Symbolism of Freemasonry

Written by Albert G. Mackey
Published in 2008
Hardcover


Originally published in 1882, The Symbolism of Freemasonry was developed to explore the philosophy and symbolism of Freemasonry. Its chapters include: The Noachidoe, The Primitive Freemasonry of Antiquity, The Spurious Freemasonry of Antiquity, The Ancient Mysteries, The Dionysiac Artificers, The Union of Speculative and Operative Masonry at the Temple of Solomon, The Travelling Freemasons of the Middle Ages, Disseverance of the Operative Element, The System of Symbolic Instruction, The Speculative Science and the Operative Art, The Symbolism of Solomon's Temple, The Form of the Lodge, The Officers of a Lodge, The Point within a Circle, The Covering of the Lodge, Ritualistic Symbolism, The Rite of Discalceation, The Symbolism of the Gloves, The Rite of Circumambulation, The Rite of Intrusting and the Symbolism of Light, Symbolism of the Cornerstone, The Ineffable Name, The Legends of Freemasonry, The Legend of the Winding Stairs, The Legend of the Third Degree, The Sprig of Acacia, The Symbolism of Labor, The Stone of Foundation, and The Lost Word.

From the back cover:

To study the symbolism of Masonry is the only way to investigate its philosophy. This is the portal of its temple, through which alone we can gain access to the sacred place where its secret pearls of wisdom are concealed.

Its philosophy is engaged in the consideration of propositions relating to God and man, to the present and the future life. Its science is the symbolism by which these propositions are presented to the mind.

This work is an effort to develop and explain this philosophy and science. It will show that there are in Freemasonry the germs of profound speculation. If it does not interest the learned, it may instruct the ignorant. If so, I shall not regret the labor and research that have been bestowed upon its composition.

Albert G. Mackey, M. D.