For those looking to learn more about Freemasonry, there are hundreds of books available that detail the history, philosophy, and symbolism. The trick is finding the right book for your interest and level of knowledge. Freemasonry is a deep, multi-layered system that encourages life-long study; the key is not to be overwhelmed by jumping too far ahead.

We have compiled a list of our favorite books, favoring those that are readily available (most can be found at Amazon.com) and are readable to the modern Mason.

In particular, we encourage prospective candidates to read a basic primer—a book that can further explain the fraternity, without divulging the degrees and deeper meanings. Consistently, we find candidates who have a base level of understanding are most likely to have their expectations met when they join. And conversely, those eager men who do an extended home study program before stepping into lodge take away from their own degree experiences. It is like they are like reading a movie review that gives away the ending before going to the theater.

Former Ridgefield resident Chris Hodapp has a great primer with his “Freemasonry for Dummies.” His other books on the list are also good, early reads. Likewise, Brent Morris’ “Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry” is an excellent starting place. For those looking for the short, cheap introduction, Bro. Greg Stewart has a concise e-book “What is Freemasonry?” that can start what will hopefully be a lifetime journey.

CANDIDATE/NEW MASON

Freemasonry for Dummies – Christopher Hodapp. Former Ridgefield resident and well-respected Masonic author, this book covers the basics and serves as good preparation for a would-be candidate.

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry – S. Brent Morris. No idiot, Dr. Morris provides a straightforward guide to Freemasonry, including related bodies.

What is Freemasonry? (free ebook) – Greg Stewart. Primer on Freemasonry by experienced, esoteric-minded Mason.

A Pilgrim’s Path – John J. Robinson. A look at the positive contributions Masonry has made through American history. It counters misplaced anti-masonic rhetoric and looks to the future.

Born in Blood – John J. Robinson. Robinson provides a compelling look at Masonic history, tying its origins back to the Knights Templar. Myth or fact? Inspiring, either way.

American Freemasons: Three Centuries of Building Communities – Mark A. Tabbert. A heavily illustrated, well-written history of American Freemasonry.

The Masonic Myth – Jay Kinney An entertaining and enlightening read that covers the usual gambit of Masonic history and meaning, but Kinney raises interesting questions and expresses himself in a friendly manner that makes this book a great read for the newly made Mason.

Solomon’s Builders: Freemason, Founding Fathers, and Secrets of Washington, D.C. - Christopher Hodapp. An enjoyable guide to the Masonic history in our nation’s Capitol. It will fill a Mason with pride to learn how brothers were formative in the nation’s formation and the city’s design.

The Secrets of Masonic Washington – James Wasserman. An intriguing look at our Nation’s Capitol. A great resource for those planning a Masonic tour of the city. (See our Masonic Washington, D.C. photo gallery.)

Freemasons’ Guide and Compendium – Bernard E. Jones. Straightforward Masonic encyclopedia.

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War – Michael A. Halleran. A historical look the myths and reality of the role Freemasonry played during the Civil War.

MASTER MASON

For Master Masons seeking more light, these books are rich with insight, though the concepts can be more dense and esoteric than those explored in more mainstream titles.

The Builders – Joseph Fort Newton

The Meaning of Masonry – W.L. Wilmshurst

The Masonic Initiation – W.L. Wilmshurst

Ceremony of Passing - W.L. Wilmshurst

The Key to Solomon’s Key – Lou Milo DuQuette

The Lost Keys of Freemasonry – Manly P. Hall

The Secrets of Hiram Abiff – John R. Heisner

SCOTTISH RITE

A Bridge to Light – Dr. Rex R. Hutchens Updated for 2010, this classic serves as an introduction to Scottish Rite degrees and symbolism.

Morals and Dogma For the 21^st Century – Chaput, Goodell, Main, and Miller. Albert Pike’s “Morals and Dogma” is a difficult tome, containing great wisdom of the Scottish Rite’s 32 degrees from a brilliant, well-read man whose personal education and understanding of classic languages and literature far exceeds that of the average reader. A group of 32-degree Texas Masons rewrote Pike’s work in contemporary language, making the lessons and insights more readily available to modern readers.

YORK RITE

The Compasses and the Cross – Stephen Dafoe. A history of the Knights Templar and the Masonic Knights Templar, with great archival art. A must-read for those considering the York Rite.

Dungeon, Fire, Sword – John J. Robinson. Detailed (at times overly so) look at the Knights Templar and their role in the Crusades.

The History and Symbolism of Royal Arch Masonry – Edward R. Graham. Books on Royal Arch are hard to come by, but this gives a good outline of the Chapter degrees and their meaning, without giving away ritual.

FICTION, FICTION-RELATED

Crown of Serpents – Michael Karpovage. Modern mystery/thriller that focuses on Native American lore with Masonic themes, written by a Master Mason.

The Lost Symbol – Dan Brown. A real page turner, this history-laced modern thriller featuring protagonist Robert Langdon from “The DaVinci Code” takes a fast-paced ride through Washington, D.C., and Freemasonry, discussing many Masonic tenants and even visiting key national landmarks. Of course, some fictional license is used throughout.

Knights of the Black & White – Jack Whyte. This thick novel is the first in a series by an author known for his numerous Arthurian-period books. It is an entertaining look at the formation of the Knights Templar, humanizing their struggles and exploring their initiation and motives.

Standard of Honor – Jack Whyte. Next in the trilogy, Standard of Honor moves on to Richard the Lionhearted’s crusade, complete with an emphasis on battle.

The Secret Message of Jules Verne: Decoding His Masonic, Rosicrucian, and Occult Writings – Michel Lamy. A great companion book for those who love Verne’s works and wish to see them in a new light.

Deciphering “The Lost Symbol” - Christopher Hodapp. An insightful, and even fun, companion to Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol,” setting the record straight on many plot points and details related to Freemasonry.