The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World Hardcover – August 18, 2020

The Craft is an excellent history book on Freemasonry that presents it in a light that’s never been done before. The author explores Freemasonry from where it originated to the modern times with the internet that boasts nothing is hidden or secret. As an African American, I appreciate how much in-depth he explored Prince Hall Masonry and the struggle Black Americans faced in politics, society as well as in the fraternity itself, with recognition being a considerable issue. Some Mainstream Masons still don’t recognize Prince Hall Masons to this day because of claims that The Grand Lodge of England never formally identified their charter. But being that it’s the 21st century, it should be awarded, especially if most of those men pledge their lives to the cardinal principles of Masonry and live an upright life.Again, this book, The Craft, presents Masonic history in a rich historical context and further explores some of the issues of Freemasonry and the persecution the fraternity faced throughout the age of its inception—the Catholic Church and dictators such as Hitler and Mussolini. The author covers ground from Scotland to India and other parts of the Middle East and Asia where masonry was introduced.The book showed how the fraternity turned from a place of primarily religious ties into a fraternal institution that allows religious tolerance to create a place where men and women (in some places) could experience brotherhood and harmony respectfully without the threat of political oppression or religious persecution, interference, or discrimination from different religious dogmas.Dickie, with his rich historical background on the subject, has outdone himself with this book. Much work, research, interviewing, and time went into this magnum opus on Freemasonry, and I’m glad I purchased it. It made me realize that there are no secrets—only can you keep the secrets of confidentiality, solidarity, friendship, and brotherly love.I highly recommend it as an introduction and reference for those who are interested and those who are in Masonry, respectfully. It’s always good to know what you’re getting into and where you come from.

Great process and good quality book

I was expecting more insight into how the freemasons symbols and rituals impacted the modern attitudes and expectations of governance and institutions. This was a well-written book mostly about the history of the freemasons. There was a lot of good stuff in the book so it's worth reading.

I loved this book! I was curious about some references to the freemasons in some research I was doing on ancestors from the 19th century, and this history really gave me the full story. I normally avoid anything that hints at conspiracy theories of history, and was a bit hesitant to get this book. The author is engaging, thorough, and persuasive, and makes the case for freemasonry's peculiar role in history.

Finally an accessible book about Freemasonry written by an historian, well researched, and unbiased. It's extremely readable and every bit of it is interesting. This is not a sensationalist book that tries to titillate with silly conspiracy theories, but rather describes the major events in masonry and anti-masonry across the centuries from a neutral, often witty, and disinterested vantage. You will learn something new here. Read it for a fascinating history of Prince Hall Masonry alone! Highly recommended.

The author's reach into the breadth and depth of Freemasonry exemplary. His many examples of the various regional variations on the theme of the Craft around the world give the reader a sense of the essence of Freemasonry. The Craft's enlightenment worldwide thrust is exposed, warts and all. It would have been helpful to see the Scandinavian part of the spectrum.

Good book, insightful for us novice non-Masons, The Craft explains the conspiracy theories and Freemasonry itself. The most amazing revelation (or reminder) is how mankind fabricates bizarre lies about imaginary villains, and the mob embraces ludicrous slanders.The book’s strengths and revelations: (1) Freemasonry was a blessing of the Enlightenment, accepting Protestants, Catholics, and Jews in a time when Jews were persecuted and religious intolerance widespread. Freemasons wisely prohibited political and religious discussion. (2) The Catholic Church started the conspiracy theories, indignant that Protestant, Catholic and Jewish men socialized together. (3) Sociopath tyrants Franco, Mussolini and Hitler adopted the conspiracy theories and imprisoned and murdered Freemasons. (4) Profound irony: successful and prominent men, who practiced philanthropy, were ostracized and persecuted because this society practiced arcane secret rites. (5) Masonic luminaries, e.g., Wren, Mozart, Washington, numerous U.S. presidents. (6) Sadly, Freemasonry and other clubs are in decline, due to changes in society.Shortcomings are minor. (1) The 432 page book is overly detailed, although filled with historically important facts. (2) The author ladles dollops of 21st century political correctness in each chapter, e.g., author disapproves of Freemasons restricting membership to males in 1682 London. (3) Chatty, first-person style was a bit distracting to this Baby-Boomer, but probably pleasing to Millennials.

Very good history of Freemasonry. If you're looking for the truth, this is one of the best books.