The Craft – a history of English Freemasonry
John Hamill
(Guild Publishing, London 1986)
The author is the librarian and curator of the United Grand Lodge of England. The book is 191 pages and contains 23 black and white illustrations, appendices containing the historical record of the Grand Masters of England, the structure of the Craft and a chronology. Notes are provided, although they do not always accord with the note references in the chapters. A 5 page bibliography and a 4 page index are useful.
Although the introduction states that the book has been written principally for non-Masons (p11) it is probable that anyone reading this book without some prior understanding of Masonry would find it difficult to follow.
The book examines theories of the origins of Freemasonry, concentrating on 1717 as representing the emergence of the present-day movement. The Grand Lodge system is explained and the development of individual lodges is examined. The social side of Freemasonry is outlined in general detail, as is the development of overseas Freemasonry. The examination of the English Royal Arch and the additional Degrees and Orders is highly detailed: these are chapters which may need careful reading and re-reading. There is the expected account of the charitable work of Freemasons and the final chapter examines the history of attacks on the craft.
It is clear that this work has been prompted by recent public concern and appears to reflect a policy decision to make the Masonic movement more open to public scrutiny. While the book provides a comprehensive historical account of the development of Freemasonry in England and elsewhere, one is still left with the impression that important parts of the story have been omitted. One simple example is the repeated use of the Star of David in Masonic regalia without any explanation of its meaning.
Nevertheless, for those who find the history of Freemasonry interesting, this new publication is recommended for its comprehensive and authoritative treatment.
It is a useful reference work which, if augmented by readings of some of the works referred to in the bibliography – and others – should provide the careful researcher with a reasonable insight into the arcane practices of the craft.
John Clayton