The Symbolism of Freemasonry. Albert Gallatin Mackey

The Symbolism of Freemasonry is a book about the teachings and practices of the secret fraternal order of Free and Accepted Masons, the largest worldwide secret society. Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of stonemasons and cathedral builders of the Middle Ages which regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. The author traces the origins of Freemasonry and presents an adequate information and excellent foundation to understanding of how Freemasonry became what it is. The book mainly deals with signs and symbols of Freemasonry, illustrating and explaining its science and philosophy, and its legends and myths, providing a good background for many of the basics of modern day ritual and procedures.