The Freemasons. - Review - book review

Contemporary Review, July, 2000

The Freemasons. Jasper Ridley. Constable. [pound]20.00. 340 pages. ISBN 0-090-479400-6. The role and power of the Masons in British life have been controversial topics for several years. There has been talk of undue influence behind the scenes, especially in the police forces and judiciary and seldom has an organisation fallen from favour as much as the Masons.

In this book the highly respected writer, Jasper Ridley, who is not a Mason, has worked to separate the myths surrounding the Masons from the realities, secret and otherwise. He argues that most of the myths are unfounded and that the Masonic oath of loyalty to other Masons does not override a Mason's obligation to obey the law. He gives an historical narrative to show how the Masonic movement began and how it developed in Britain. He traces the ups and downs of Masonry in Europe, especially in eighteenth century France and in the Austrian Empire. He shows how important Masons were during the American revolution and how, and why, they have fallen foul of the Catholic Church during the last 300 years and more recently, the Church of England. He concludes by asking that the Masons be 'left alone to hold their dinners and their lodge meetings in peace'.