Secrets of Masonic Washington: A Guidebook to Signs, Symbols, and Ceremonies at the Origin of America's Capital - Softcover

James Wasserman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1594772665 ISBN 13: 9781594772665

Publisher: Destiny Books, 2008

Synopsis

n this guide to the Masonic underpinnings of America's capital, James Wasserman reveals the esoteric symbols and the spiritual and visionary ideas that lie hidden in the buildings, monuments and physical layout of Washington, D.C. His walking tour of these Masonic sites includes both the expected and unexpected - from the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building to the Federal Reserve complex, National Academy of Sciences and the Library of Congress. Each location includes descriptions, interpretations and explanations of the Masonic symbols and ritualistic meanings hidden within its structure, all illustrated with contemporary colour and historic black-and-white photographs. Wasserman explains the purpose behind putting these symbols and Masonic designs into the capital and how all these monuments fit into the spiritual vision held by the founding fathers. He reveals the prominent role that Freemasonry played in the 18th-century Enlightenment movement and shows how in the New World of America, free of monarchy and aristocracy, the ideas of the Enlightenment were able to flourish. This illustrated guidebook to the Masonic secrets of Washington, D.C., provides valuable insights on the founding of America. It will be welcomed by students of esoteric art and symbolism, admirers of American history, and is the perfect companion to Dan Brown's new novel 'The Lost Symbol.' Full colour illustrations and photographs throughout

About this title

Product Description:

Considered the best book to date on the formation and early growth of the early mason American republic. Seamlessly weaving history and mythology, this walking tour of Washington's historic sights, explains and interprets the Masonic symbols and ritualistic meanings hidden behind the entire capitols structure. A remarkable book. (his)

Review:

"The Secrets of Masonic Washington shines a spotlight on an unusual area of Washington, D.C. that few of us have ever realized. It is a historical study of masonry and how it is embroidered into the development of the USA. At the same time, the book is counter-balanced with photos of historic sites and statuary found in today's Washington, D.C., revealing masonry's remarkable influence up to the very present day.

This is one of the most interesting visual and literary walking tours of Washington, D.C. that I've ever taken, and I recommend it to any student of government, history, or art."--The Amazing Kreskin

"If you are planning to visit the Capitol, you really could benefit from having this book in your shoulder bag. It is well worth the cost and, even if you never go to Washington, you can still enjoy the wonderful images contained in it."--Michael Gleason, Witchgrove.com, Dec 2008

"A treat for those who are intrigued by the possibility of secret societies and their impact on the world, The Secrets of Masonic Washington is a fine and intriguing read that has much to be enjoyed."--The Midwest Book Review, May 2009

" . . . truly comprehensive. The collection runs through the expected, and the unexpected, with many dynamic images to illustrate just how 'hidden in plain sight' much of the Masonic symbolism is. . . . chillingly posits that if we have not the courage to embody the principles that these monuments commemorate, then these testaments will be all that is left us and our failure will relegate us to history."--Frater Puck, reviewer

"Those following Wasserman's trail will be exposed to images of individual strength and courage; to repeated representations of the power and primacy of law as guarantor of individual rights, learning and sciences. Values are being conveyed here, priorities stated. . . . Part of the insight Wasserman shares with readers is the appreciation of the extent to which Thelemic ideals are already integrated into the structure of American society and government (if not always perfectly expressed!) and openly celebrated in the public art and architecture of Washington, D.C. So, mote it be!"--Frater Nefer Khabs, Behutet, publication of Thelesis Lodge, No. 42, July 2009

"The national memorials to our country's great and greatness are physical testimonies of the collective vision that leads us. In Wasserman's tour, we can find outright Masonic emblems and symbols, allegorical representations of Masonic tenets, art and architecture produced by or illustrative of Freemasons, and buildings and statuary that are not Masonic but portray concepts and ideals that reflect Masonic thought. . . . The text is recommended for novice and veteran Masons alike who want to better understand our national heritage and search for Masonic ideals illustrated in the federal city."--Brother Charles S. Canning, MMS, The Pennsylvania Freemason, Vol. LVI, No. 2, May/June 2009

"Most histories of Freemasonry focus on how the new ways of thinking, triggered by the Enlightenment, were manifested in the taverns and coffeehouses in Europe along the lines of the ancient guild system. Therefore, I found Wasserman's theory of how this pre-established concept was transplanted to the fertile soil of the colonies, consequently influencing the emerging American political philosophy, to be fascinating. . . . I would definitely recommend this book, both as a companion guide to Brown's The Lost Symbol and as a tour guide for those either living in or planning to visit Washington, DC."--Stella Maris, MANIA, Beyond Entertainment, Sept 2009

"Anyone familiar with Wasserman's other work would know that of anyone, he is extremely suited to provide a 'guidebook to signs, symbols, and ceremonies at the origin of America's capital.'"--Ashè Journal, No. 8.1, Aug 2009

"[Wasserman's] text, illustrated with color and black and white photographs as well as maps, shines light on the Masonic symbolism, meanings, and purposes hidden within the layout, architecture, or art of each location. This valuable guidebook will appeal to students of US history and esotericism alike."--Ruth Parnell, Nexus New Times Magazine, Sept-Oct 2009

"Despite one's theological and/or philosophical approach to life, the impact of Freemasonry has been enormous. For these days and times that 'try men's souls, ' I suggest Wasserman's book is both highly informative and very interesting."--Dr. Donald Charles Lacy, retired United Methodist minister, Oct 2009

About this edition

• Publisher: Destiny Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1594772665
• ISBN 13: 9781594772665
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192