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Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C.
P.O. Box 70,Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044–0070
Book Reviews Editor, The Scottish Rite Journal
Every now and then, especially for newer members
of the Rite, I like to suggest some books which are not on the
point of Masonry, but which are good background for those who
want to know more about the philosophical traditions on which
we draw. None of the books in this month's column are new—some
are centuries old—but they are handy additions to your Masonic
bookshelf. Of course, for a full understanding of the Degrees,
a lifetime of thought and study is hardly sufficient. Still, the
following books help give a solid foundation for thought and speculation
regarding Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite.
Most are available from several sources, the Internet,
and, of course, your local library. Ordering information given
here, however, is for Dover Publications. Dover specializes in
reprinting classic works which are long out of print. These are
paperbound books, but they are sewn, not glued, and they hold
up. I have Dover books that I've used for decades. The easiest
way to order is to go to the publisher's web site. Dover
has only recently started accepting payment by credit card, and
they have a new web catalogue which is easy to use. Be sure to
request a copy of their full catalogue when you order. You can
reach them at www.doverpublications.com
Julian Marias, History of Philosophy (Translation
by Stanley Appelbaum and Clarence C. Strowbridge) 505 pages ISBN:
0486217396 $12.95
This is a first-rate survey of philosophy from ancient
times to the mid-20th Century. Marias shows the sweep of ideas
and how they change over time. The entries are easy to read, but
they give an excellent overview of the subjects. The book can
give you a powerful perspective on man's thought over the
ages and makes it much easier to see how the teachings of the
Rite fit into the evolving pattern of ideas. Well worth owning
and reading.
Moses Maimonides, The Guide for the Perplexed
473 pages ISBN 0486203514 $10.95
One of the most famous books of philosophy ever
written, this is a great classic of medieval Jewish thought. Maimonides
connects the revelations of the Jewish faith with the philosophy
of Aristotle. Thus, he has had an influence on western thought
and philosophy which can hardly be overestimated. It has always
seemed to me that many of the roots on the Scottish Rite's
philosophic tradition arise in the fertile soil of this book.
Franz Cumont, The Mysteries of Mithra
239 pages, Illustrated, ISBN 0486203239 $11.95
Mithraism came close to beating out Christianity
as the dominant religion of its time. Several historians of religion
have suggested that if Mithraism had accepted women as members,
the contest would have been even closer. As it happens, we know
more about the Mysteries of Mithra than about most of the other
great mystery religions. I've read this book several times
and always found new insights because of its possible parallels
with the traditions of the Fraternity.
J. Abelson, Jewish Mysticism 192 pages
ISBN 0486419967 $8.95
The Jewish traditions were a very important part
of the whole intellectual and philosophical climate of Europe
during the time the Degrees of Freemasonry were being developed.
There are many echoes of that tradition in both Blue Lodge and
Scottish Rite work. It is very hard really to understand the meanings
of the Degrees without the information covered by this book. Highly
recommended.
Vincent Foster Hopper, Medieval Number Symbolism:
Its Sources, Meaning, and Influence on Thought and Expression
256 pages, ISBN 0486414302 $9.95
This is another of the essential background books
for understanding Masonry and its Degrees. Number symbolism was
used by the church, in both sacred and mundane architecture, in
such diverse novels as Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress,
Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, and Dante's Divine
Comedy. It obviously occurs throughout Freemasonry. The Middle
Chamber lecture is only one example.
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