The raw winds of March make it one of my favorite times for reading. In Oklahoma, at least, there is often cold blowing rain, and a comfortable chair and good book combine to make a wondrous anodyne. Three fine books are highlighted in this month's column, each very different in purpose, but all interesting.

Robert L. Breeding, D. Ed. A Survey of the History and Mysteries of Freemasonry, hardbound, 320 pages. Order from author at 405 Ascot Court, Knoxville, TN 37923, Fax 865–690–7588 E-mail RBreed4217@aol.com Cost is $20.00 + $3.00 S&H.

In this interesting book, the author explains he is dealing with legend as well as history, and generally he makes the differences quite clear. Many Brothers have heard other Masons talk about some of the Craft's legendary beginnings, but have seldom seen these concepts in print. They are provided here, and knowing them makes it much easier to understand some of the discussions you are likely to have about Freemasonry. There is also information about the spread of Masonry, Masonic symbolism, and many other topics. After the book was printed, Dr. Breeding discovered there were several errors in typography in Chapter 4. To remedy the errors, he had the chapter reprinted as an addition and inserted the corrected version in the back of the book—an attention to detail and accuracy which I appreciate. This book is a good survey of both legend and fact, which I think you would enjoy.

William T. Russell, My Brothers Past: Volume One of Two, 1761–1899 paperbound, 136 pages, many photographs and illustrations. Gopher Publishers, United Kingdom. Order through the Internet at www.gopherpublishers.com, or write to: Gopher Publishers, 14 Harrow Inn Close, High street, Elgin, Moray, Scotland. IV30 1BP. The cost is £9.99 plus S&H.

Generally speaking, books about the history of specific Lodges end up near the bottom of my reading list. However interesting they may be, that interest is usually local or, at best, regional. But this book far transcends those limitations. It is the history of a Scottish Lodge, the Lodge St. Duthus, and the fascinating men who were responsible for its foundation and growth. The accounts of individuals weave in and out of the history of the Lodge like the warp and woof of a tartan. It is the story not just of a Lodge, but of changing times, the town itself, and the men who gave it life. This is very much worth reading.

Heike Owusu, Symbols of Native America, paperbound 320 pages, very fully illustrated. Sterling Publishing Company, 1997 (English Translation, 1999). Cover price $13.95. Order from bookstores or on the Internet.

Not a book about Masonry at all, this is, nevertheless, a great book for those interested in symbolism and the way similar ideas are expressed from culture to culture. Native Americans generally found a deep affinity with Freemasonry which continues to this day. This book explores the symbols, especially those which deal with insight, understanding, self-development and inspiration. The illustrations are nicely drawn, and the text is easy to read. If you are making your first foray into the symbolism of other cultures, or even if you have a long-standing interest and considerable knowledge in the field, Symbols of Native America deserves to be on your bookshelf.

Jim Tresner is Director of the Masonic Leadership Institute and Editor of The Oklahoma Mason. A frequent contributor to the Scottish Rite Journal and its book review editor, Illustrious Brother Tresner is also a volunteer writer for The Oklahoma Scottish Rite Mason and a video script consultant for the National Masonic Renewal Committee. He is the Director of the Thirty-third Degree Conferral Team and Director of Work at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as well as a life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, author of the popular anecdotal biography Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument, and a member of the steering committee of the Masonic Information Center. Ill. Tresner was awarded the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite's highest honor, during the Supreme Council's October 1997 Biennial Session.