The History of Freemasonry: Its Legendary Origins

I ordered the Hardcover version, received a paperback edition, submitted for a return and replacement and have not heard back.

Mackey was a doctor, the son of a wealthy family in Charleston, SC in the nineteenth century. He practiced medicine briefly, then dedicated himself to Masonic research. This work is only somewhat dated, given that Freemasonry is a relatively stable cultural and sociological phenomenon. Still, some historiographical, archival and archeological work accomplished since his day has corrected some of his views (these defects are less found in his Encyclopedia). The value of his work lies in the fact that he explores, in forty-four chapters, numerous myths about the origins of Freemasonry, concluding at the end of each chapter that no single theory is sufficient to explain the history of the Royal Art or that many of the theories are pure fabrications. He does not make any definite conclusions about its ultimate origins, leaving the reader to agree with professor Frances Yates who stated in her book The Rosicrucian Enlightenment (Routledge Classics) that Freemsonry's origins are a "mystery wrapped in an enigma".

This is a wonderfully written book. May be difficult for some readers as some parts are in Old English. Keep in mind that Mackey is discussing 'legend' not known fact.

This is a beautiful book, and wonderful- if you recognize it as what it is. It is a collection of myths about the origins of Freemasonry, not a factual history. It does what all of our myths of our origins do- illustrate the principles and ideas we believe in. Many of the legends presented within are, in fact, unverifiable- such as the one that posits that Masonic secrets were hidden within pillars that survived the biblical Great Flood.In fact, it is this legendary quality that makes this book so useful. Rather than an interesting historical review, this book can serve as a reference guide, both to our beliefs and our ideals.

The History of Freemasonry is clouded with time, personal prejudice, suppression and many other factors. Yet, men like Mackey lay the paver-stones for the path of self-discovery amongst Masons. He gave many years of his life to this research and the book is well-worth every year he spent in dusty libraries, to produce this work. The beginnings of this book contain very archaic language, but the struggle is worth the time given to study. It seems that most books are a variation of this material, or refer to this material. Whether it is "the definitive history of Freemasonry," or not, is up to debate.... However, it is hard to appreciate NEW findings, without refering to books such as this one, to understand how much of the mass-market material is "accurate" or, at-least, Inspired-by well-documented research. I would expect to see this one on every Mason's bookshelf, but Anyone can appreciate the complex "History of Freemasonry."

This book was a truly enchanting read. I thought that Brother Mackey's dissection of what is legend and what is fact was remarkable. You can tell by reading this book that a tremendous amount of research went into his works. Bro. Mackey takes the various manuscripts and theories that were written since the conception of the Craft and ingeniously and deliberately uncovers there true meanings. A true work of art for the Masonic Student...