The Freemasons are often said to be the world?s most influential secret society, and the story of this enigmatic fraternity is wrapped in mystery and intrigue. Their involvement in shaping political world events has stretched over centuries, even to the extent that masonic principles lie beneath the establishment of the United States and its Constitution. The Brotherhood is reckoned to be the privileged guardian of certain ancient secrets, but Masonic Constitutions state that the secrets were lost over three centuries ago. So who are the Freemasons and what is their history and purpose? What change occurred in the 17th century that caused the Fraternity to burn their records for fear of explosive secrets being discovered? In The Shadow of Solomon, Laurence Gardner answers these questions, presenting a historical detective trail that leads from the most ancient records of the Fraternity to modern times.
432pp, 160mm x 240mm, illustrated, hardback, 2005