The Secrets of Masonic Washington: A Guidebook to Signs, Symbols, and Ceremonies at the Origin of America's Capital / James Wasserman (2008) Book Details Subject Architecture; Pseudo-History Pub Date 11/26/2008 Nr of Pages 192 Format (size) Paperback (22.6cm x 15.2cm) Publisher Destiny Books Maine Masonic College Notes A non-Mason, among a group of self-endorsing authors who write about Masonic topics seemingly for profit, has created a stunning book on heavy glossy paper with extrodinary photographs. The glossy part extends to the author's fanciful and unsubstantiated assumptions about the motivations of those who created the many sights we see in Washington today. While the word "Masonic" appears in the title, it's connection to the content is often tenuous and contrived. Like all of those who have jumped on the 'Masonic secrets in DC' bandwagon, the author passes over the many Commissions and other bodies who ultimately approved the various designs. The last sentence of the PR piece describing the plot lists those who, ostensibly, will welcome this book. Notably absent are 'Freemasons' the great majority of whom, I suspect, would find it bordering on the absurd. Save your money and make up your own fairy tales - or deal with facts! ~Ed King Summary A fully illustrated guide to the Masonic origins and present-day Masonic sites of Washington, D.C. • Provides a walking tour of the Masonic sites and symbols of the city • Explores the critical role of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States • By the author of The Templars and Assassins In this guide to the Masonic underpinnings of America’s capital, James Wasserman reveals the esoteric symbols and the spiritual and visionary ideas that lie hidden in the buildings, monuments, and physical layout of Washington, D.C. His walking tour of these Masonic sites includes both the expected and unexpected--from the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building to the Federal Reserve complex, National Academy of Sciences, and the Library of Congress. Each location includes descriptions, interpretations, and explanations of the Masonic symbols and ritualistic meanings hidden within its structure, all illustrated with contemporary color and historic black-and-white photographs. Wasserman explains the purpose behind putting these symbols and Masonic designs into the capital and how all these monuments fit into the spiritual vision held by the founding fathers. He reveals the prominent role that Freemasonry played in the 18th-century Enlightenment movement and shows how in the New World of America, free of monarchy and aristocracy, the ideas of the Enlightenment were able to flourish. This illustrated guidebook to the Masonic secrets of Washington, D.C., provides valuable insights on the founding of America. It will be welcomed by students of esoteric art and symbolism, admirers of American history, and devotees of Dan Brown novels and National Treasure movies. Puchase Details MMC Rating 1 Cover Price $16.95 Buy Here: Amazon US