THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2

THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY VOL.1 & VOL. 2 By: J. W. S. Mitchell, M. D. Published by American Publishing House, Philadelphia, Pa. c. 1858 VOLUME 1 The History of Freemasonry; From the Building of the House of the Lord, and its progress throughout the Civilized World, down to the present time. The Only History of Ancient Craft Masonry ever published, Except a sketch of Forty-Eight pages by Doctor Anderson in 1723. To which is added A History of the Craft in the United States by J. W. S. Mitchell, M. D. , P. Grand Master, P. G. High Priest, and P. E. Commander of Missouri. VOLUME 2 The History of Freemasonry and Masonic Digest: Embracing an account of the Order from the building of Solomon’s Temple, Its progress Hence, Throughout the Civilized World and the Introduction of Modern Degrees Called Masonic; and the first written history in the United States. To which are added The Old Charges and Ancient Regulations, as collated by Order of The Grand Lodge of England, in 1722. Also, The Spurious Laws, as published by Dermott: A Code of Masonic Jurisprudence. Illustrated by the author’s Answers to Questions of Law and Usage; A Dictionary of Masonic Terms; Description of Masonic Jewels, Regalia, Etc., Etc., Etc. and a well Authenticated Account of the Initiation and Passing of The Hon. Mrs. Aldworth, The Distinguished and only Lady Freemason. By: by J. W. S. Mitchell, M. D. , P. Grand Master, P. G. High Priest, and P. E. Commander of Missouri. CONDITION: This book is believed to have been published in 1858 (168 Years Old) Exterior: Both Volumes, Blue Fabric Hardcover with some shelf wear. Emblems and Exterior writing are intact; however, the gold paint is all but gone (see Photos). Interior: Binding is okay (Good) with only a few pages that have issues (see photos). There are no pages missing or loose. Pages are yellowed from age, but are easy to read. About The Author: J. W. S. Mitchell, M. D. James William S. Mitchell (1800 – 1873) was a prominent 19th Century Freemason and author whose work remains a significant historical resource for Masonic Scholarship. An active Freemason during a period when Masonic literature was scarce, with few libraries and limited scholarly works available, his fellow researchers often relied on the works of earlier authors like Oliver and Preston, and Mitchell’s own writings filled a critical gap. The title itself reflects the work’s scope: it covers the history of Freemasonry from the biblical account of Solomon’s Temple through its development in the civilized world up to 1858, including the introduction of modern Masonic degrees, the first written history of Masonry in the United States, and extensive sections on operative and speculative Masonry, high grades, and the Egyptian Mysteries. Mitchell’s work is notable for its diverse content, which also includes: The Old Charges and Ancient Regulations as collated by the Grand Lodge of England in 1722. “Spurious laws” as published by Dermott. A code of Masonic jurisprudence with the authors answers to questions of law and usage. A Dictionary of Masonic terms. Descriptions of Masonic jewels, regalia, and other ceremonial items. The two volumes together are substantial – over 1,400 pages – and were regarded as a comprehensive reference for Masons of the mid-19th century. By 1869, Mitchell’s History had reached its seventh edition and was considered the second most widely-read book in America, after works by Preston and Oliver. It was praised for its breadth, though some of Mitchell’s historical theories (such as the belief that Solomon was the first Grand Master) are now considered outdated. Nevertheless, the work remains valuable for Masonic students today because it preserves facts and practices of Freemasonry in the United States a decade before the American Civil War, as well as insights into the jurisprudence and customs of the 1850’s.…