It's that time again when thoughts turn to holiday giving, to general ho-ho-hoing, and to the November book review column, which traditionally suggests gifts to give your Brother Masons. Also, of course, these are great gifts to give yourself. Or leave this column prominently displayed for notice by your special "Santa" for holiday presentation. Each gift is sure to gladden spirits during this special time of year.

W. Kirk MacNulty, The Way of the Craftsman: A Search for the Spiritual Essence of Craft Freemasonry (pictured right). London: Central Regalia Ltd., 2002, paperbound, illustrations, 160 pages. U.S. orders: Price: $16.95 USD (plus $4.95 s/h); Order from George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Attn: George Seghers, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22301, Tel. 703-683-2007; International orders: Price: £11.95 GBP (plus s/h); Order from Central Regalia Limited, 13 Newton Road, Harrowbrook Ind Est, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 3DS United Kingdom, Tel. 011-01455-614911, Fax 011-01455-631050, or order online at www.centralregalia.com.

Brother MacNulty, 32°, is one of my very favorite Masonic authors. His book Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol (available from your local bookseller or on the Internet) has been on the recommended reading list of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma for several years. Like The Way of the Craftsman, it is first rate. Those who attended the 2002 Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences know Bro. Kirk from his presentation "Vision-Based Planning, Introducing Change into Your Valley." For an article summarizing his conference presentation, see the Scottish Rite Journal for August 2002. Bro. Kirk's newly republished book is a genuine treat, especially for those who are sure that much of Masonry is beyond words. To quote: "This book analyses the symbolic structure of Craft Masonry from the Renaissance perspective. It presents the symbols as a system, which can lead the individual step by step to a knowledge of his psychological being while at the same time recognizing mankind's fundamental dependence on God. Freemasonry's task of personal discovery is the labor of a lifetime. The reward is the possession of one's self." I've read this book twice since Brother MacNulty kindly sent me a copy a month ago-and I'll read it again before the end of the year. I highly recommend it.

It's a special treat when something long gone becomes available again. The Builder magazine was published from 1915 through 1930. It was one of the best Masonic magazines every published, and it covered a wide variety of topics. Now, it lives again in a CD-ROM made available through the Masonic Leadership Center at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Bro. Paul N. Bessel, 32°, K.C.C.H., is one of the most knowledgeable Brethren in the area of what now is often called "electronic Masonry." Plus, he is the Executive Secretary of the Center. The Builder is a great collection, and making it available is a true service by Bro. Bessel to Masons, young and old alike. To order a copy of the CD-ROM, send a check or money order for $49.95 to Masonic Leadership Center, c/o Paul M. Bessel, 7714 Northdown Rd., Alexandria, VA 22308-1332, e-mail paul@bessel.org. This CD-Rom is worth owning, and it's a great gift.

My grandfather gave me my first pocketknife when I was five years old. After providing some intense training on safety and the knife's proper use, he said to me: "Jim, never, never be without both a knife and a means of making fire." Now (with the exception of the time I am on an airplane) I never am. My own favorite is a Swiss Army knife, and the Macoy catalogue has a little beauty. There is an inlaid Masonic emblem on the case, and the knife has a blade, file, scissors, screwdriver, toothpick, and tweezers. It's item number 8042 and costs $24.75 + shipping and handling. By far the easiest way to order is by credit card. Call Macoy at 1-800- 637-4640.

As always, I'm glad to note the publications of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) because I think they have some of the best values for the money in Masonic information. If you don't have a catalogue, e-mail them at msana@ix.netcom.net, give them your mailing address, and ask for a catalogue. It's free. Of the MSANA's many items, let me especially recommend the following. All are paperbound.

"Truth Is Stranger than Fiction" by Alphonse Cerza. This is a fascinating collection of believe-it-or-not items about Masons and Masonry Item #243 $2.50

"Vistas of Masonry in Language, Symbolism, and History" by Raymond Burnette Pease deals with Masonic language and links Masonic ritual to the great moral traditions of Western civilization. Item #242 $3.00

"Masonic Feasts, Banquets, and Table Lodges" To my great joy, the traditions of Masonic feasting are returning. "Away with thee, day-old doughnuts and mouse-food meals," say I. "Bring on the roast beast!" This booklet gives historical data and rituals for the festivities of the fraternal board. Item #145 $3.00

For a gift that will be appreciated for 12 months, give your Masonic friend a year's subscription to the Short Talk Bulletin. He'll remember you each month as he gets some of the most interesting and contemporary information available in the Fraternity. A subscription costs only $5.00 in the U.S. and $6.00 for international mailing. The easiest way to order is to go to the MSANA web site http://www.msana.com, click on "publications" and then click on the order form. You can print one for yourself, then just fill it out and mail or fax it to the Masonic Service Association of North America. The order form will give you the shipping and handling costs.

Speaking of web sites, for some really good gifts, go to the Supreme Council site www.srmason-sj.org and click on the store. There are commemorative medallions, T-shirts, jackets, keychains, books, and the 200th Anniversary Commemorative Plate, among many other items. The plate is really nice-I have one hanging on my wall. You'll probably be surprised at just how many different things are available via the Supreme Council's online store, and it's easy to order online with your credit card.

If you are a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, you get a 10% discount on everything you buy. Just supply your membership number when ordering. If you are not a member, give yourself the best Christmas present of all and buy yourself a membership. Annual Membership is only $30. Life Membership (individuals only) is $500. Click here for special 2003 incentives for membership and for sponsoring members.

Hope your holidays are happy and your giving blessed.
Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, most books are available at or through your local bookstore or over the Internet. Prices may vary.
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, Ill. Bro. 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 Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument, and Vested in Glory. 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.