David Harrison

New article by Dr. David Harrison in Knight Templar Magazine

2012-02-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Dr. David Harrison has a new article on the Knights Templar and the Welsh Princes in this months edition of the US based Knight Templar magazine. The article has already received positive feedback, and another follow-on article will appear in a later edition of the magazine. Here's the website: http://issuu.com/gektusa/docs/0212/1

New paper published in the renowned Scottish Rite Transactions Journal 'Heredom' - a new insight into the origins of Freemasonry

2012-01-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

Dr David Harrison has had a new paper published in Volume 19 (2011) of the Transactions of the Scottish Rite Research Society Journal 'Heredom' entitled 'The Lymm Freemasons: Insight into Transition-Era Freemasonry'. The paper examines new evidence for the transitional period of Freemasonry in the seventeenth century when the society was moving from operative - speculative. Here is the website for further information: http://scottishrite.org/

New mini-video by the David Harrison looking at symbolism on the Lewis Masonic channel

2012-01-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

New article on Occult Freemasons in The Square magazine

2011-12-12T09:16:00.001-08:00

The latest edition of The Square magazine (December 2011) has a new article by Dr. David Harrison, concerning Occult Freemasons, featuring such leading Victorian Freemasons such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Arthur Edward Waite, among many others. Here is the weblink to The Square: http://thesquaremagazine.com/latestissue.php

New Mini-Video on Masonic Symbolism

2011-11-07T06:35:00.001-08:00

I am doing a series of mini-videos for Lewis Masonic (who published my first book 'The Genesis of Freemasonry') discussing various Masonic symbols, looking at aspects of the individual history of the symbol outside and within Freemasonry, here's a video showing the 'All-Seeing Eye' on the tower of St. Mary's Church in Newchurch, Pendle, location of the infamous Witch trials of the 17th century, which was placed there to ward off the Witches!

New article by Dr David Harrison in Ashlar Magazine

2011-10-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

There is a new article by Dr. David Harrison in the new edition of Ashlar Magazine (No. 44). The article, inspired by the author's latest book The Transformation of Freemasonry looks at the Victorian Astronomer and Occultist Lord Lindsay. Lindsay split his time between his Balcarres estate in Scotland and Haigh Hall in Wigan, where he founded his own lodge in 1870, called the Lindsay Lodge. Check out the link for a copy of the Ashlar, which is Scotland's foremost Masonic magazine: http://circlepublications.com/

New article in Freemasonry Today by David Harrison

2011-10-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

Freemasonry Today - the official Grand Lodge of England magazine features a new article by David Harrison tracing the history of the Authors' Lodge, a lodge based in London which has just celebrated its centenary. Rudyard Kipling was an honorary member and when the lodge was consecrated, letters of goodwill were received by renowned Freemasons and writers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Jerome K. Jerome. The article can be see via the Freemasonry Today website: www.freemasonrytoday.com

New reviews at Goodreads

2011-10-09T04:45:00.000-07:00

The Transformation of Freemasonry by David Harrison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Transformation of Freemasonry is a worthy follow on from Harrison's first book The Genesis of Freemasonry. It continues the Masonic historical journey and looks at how Freemasonry developed in the 19th century, discussing Masonic rebellions, Victorian writers and occultists who were Masons, and various Freemasons' involvement in slavery. Like his first work, this book is done in an academic aproach with everything referenced and primary sources used, but it's easy to read and understand. An excellent work and if you have read his first book, then this is a must to complete Harrison's fascinating journey through English Masonic history.

View all my reviews

New article by Dr David Harrison published in Knight Templar Magazine

2011-08-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. David Harrison continues to delve into the origin of the Royal Arch in an article serialised in the September issue of the US based Knight Templar Magazine: http://issuu.com/gektusa/docs/0911

The article is taken from a chapter in his second book The Transformation of Freemasonry which can be purchased from www.arimapublishing.co.uk

From Elias Ashmole to Arthur Edward Waite: The Search for Hidden Knowledge

2011-08-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

The photo reveals the memorial window at St. Mary's church in Norfolk for Henry Rider-Haggard - showing various symbols from his works and beliefs. Rider Haggard was a Freemason who, like Arthur Conan Doyle and Arthur Edward Waite had an interest in the occult. His works included 'King Solomon's Mines' which displayed Masonic themes, notably the search for lost knowledge in relation to King Solomon who features heavily in the Masonic ritual. Another work by Rider Haggard called 'She' displays themes of death and rebirth - similar themes found within Freemasonry. My second book The Transformation of Freemasonry discusses Rider Haggard and other occult Freemasons, exploring how they searched for hidden knowledge and found inspiration within Freemasonry. The book can be purchased from www.arimapublishing.co.uk or from Amazon.

New excellent review of The Transformation of Freemasonry in the new US edition of Kinght Templar Magazine

2011-07-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have had a number of articles published over the years in the US based Knight Templar Magazine and in this months issue they have an excellent review of my book The Transformation of Freemasonry along with an article taken from a chapter in the book: http://issuu.com/gektusa/docs/0811a

New Limited Edition hardback of The Transformation of Freemasonry is out now

2011-05-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

The new limited edition hardback of The Transformation of Freemasonry is now out through Arima Publishing; it has been re-edited with additional discussions in certain chapters, all color prints (with additional prints in certain sections) and an extended index and bibliography. It has been designed to look like my first book The Genesis of Freemasonry (published by Lewis Masonic www.lewismasonic.com) for book collectors and collectors of Masonic works.
The first 50 are signed by the author and the book is available direct from Arima Publishing www.arimapublishing.co.uk or telephone (UK) 01284 700321. This is only a limited edition so hurry while stocks last.

New TV interview with Dr. David Harrison talking about his two book The Genesis of Freemasonry and The Transformation of Freemasonry

2011-04-03T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dr. David Harrison, English Masonic historian is interviewed by host Andrew Selwyn-Crome on the history of Freemasonry, and discusses the themes for the search for lost knowledge within Freemasonry which appear in his two best selling books The Genesis of Freemasonry and The Transformation of Freemasonry.

From Elias Ashmole to Arthur Edward Waite: The Search for Lost Knowledge within Freemasonry - Part 4

2011-03-01T12:51:00.001-08:00

The Freemason Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was an avid researcher into the occult; he was interested in spiritualism and investigated the supernatural, an example being his work on the Cottingley Fairies. More famous now for his Sherlock Holmes Adventure - in which he frequently referred to Freemasonry and gentlemen's clubs (such as the enigmatic fictional Diogenes Club), his writings reflected Masonic themes in a similar way to fellow Freemasons Rudyad Kipling and Henry Rider-Haggard. Haggard was also reputedly a member of The Golden Dawn - an Order founded by Freemasons. These Masonic Occultists are discussed in my second book The Transformation of Freemasonry http://www.arimapublishing.co.uk/bookshopuk/bookinfo/book_184549437?bs=uk

From Elias Ashmole to Arthur Edward Waite: The Search for Lost Knowledge - Part 3

2011-03-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

'...the Sun is always at its meridian with respect to Freemasonry.'

Dr. John Theophilus Desaguliers was the leader of Modern Freemasonry, and in my first book The Genesis of Freemasonry http://www.lewismasonic.com/product_info.php?products_id=460 I put forward how he modernised the ritual of Freemasonry during the 1720s and created the 'three degrees'. Desaguliers was a natural philosopher, poet, networker and Minister, and he he was also a 'disciple' of Sir Isaac Newton. He was certainly interested in Newton's work - an aspect of which was Newton's search for the true dimensions of Solomon's Temple. Desaguliers was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, following the footsteps of other illustrious Freemasons such as Elias Ashmole, Sir Robert Moray and Sir Christopher Wren. Part 4 of my posts will look at how Victorian Freemasons also searched for lost knowledge.

From Elias Ashmole to Arthur Edward Waite: The Search for Lost Knowledge - Part 5

2011-03-01T08:20:00.001-08:00

Arthur Edward Waite was a Freemason, Occultist and was the co-designer for the famous Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. He was a member of the Golden Dawn and wrote many works on Freemasonry and mysticism. My second book The Transformation of Freemasonry http://www.arimapublishing.co.uk/bookshopuk/bookinfo/book_184549437?bs=uk discusses his career; his desire to search for lost knowledge being similar to other Freemasons of the late Victorian period and mirroring the work by earlier Masons such as Elias Ashmole and Robert Moray. Waite's Tarot designs incorporated Masonic sumbolism and Masonic themes - his Masonic interests being revealed on the High Priestess card for example, with the 'B' and 'J' on the two pillars standing for 'Boaz' and 'Jachin' - the two pillars of Solomon's Temple.

From Elias Ashmole to Arthur Edward Waite: The Search for Lost Knowledge within Freemasonry - Part 2

2011-03-01T04:51:00.001-08:00

Sir Christopher Wren by Godfrey Kneller - Wren can be seen holding a compass over the plans for St. Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren was an early Freemason who, like Elias Ashmole, searched constantly for lost knowledge, especially concentrating on the divinity of architecture. Like Sir Isaac Newton, Wren searched for the true measurement of Solomon's Temple, working on a design for the Temple. This search for the true dimensions of the Temple and his interest in classical architecture influenced his work on St Paul's Cathedral in London, the building of which attracted many 'operative' Freemasons such as the Stone and Strong family. My first book The Genesis of Freemasonry http://www.lewismasonic.com/product_info.php?products_id=460 discusses Wren's work and presents strong new evidence of him being a Freemason. The search for the divine cubit influenced one particular Freemason to re-design the Masonic ritual and create the 'three degree' ritual of Modern Freemasonry - he is discussed - along with the evidence in The Genesis of Freemasonry, and I will feature him in part 3 of the blog post.

From Elias Ashmole to Arthur Edward Waite: The Search for Lost Knowledge within Freemasonry - Part 1

2011-02-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

'[William Backhouse] told me in Syllables the true matter of the philosophers stone...'

Elias Ashmole

The search for lost knowledge is a theme that resounds throughout Freemasonry, from its earliest moments - with the alchemist Elias Ashmole, who became a Freemason in Warrington in 1646, to the late Victorian period when 'occultists' and Freemasons such as Arthur Edward Waite, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Frederick Bligh Bond also explored spiritualism and the supernatural.

In my first book The Genesis of Freemasonry the early influences on the foundation of Freemasonry are put forward, and the theme of the search for lost knowledge is discussed to create a new picture of the origins of Freemasonry. My second book The Transformation of Freemasonry completes the story, and continues to discuss this theme. I also discuss this in a new paper which appears in the latest edition of Philalethes: The Journal of Masonic Letters http://www.freemasonry.org/journal.php

The Sky TV Interview with Dr. David Harrison

2011-02-27T04:59:00.000-08:00

Another chance to see the Sky TV interview with Dr. David Harrison regarding his book 'The Genesis of Freemasonry'. More interviews on the way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66nd7f7uZ5g

Book signing - The Transformation of Freemasonry

2011-02-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

Above is a feature from the Runcorn Weekly News regarding the book signing at the Curiosity Book shop in Runcorn, Cheshire. The shop is a popular attraction for readers and researchers in local history, and it has a variety of books which concentrate on Runcorn's bygone days as an important port on the River Mersey. The Transformation of Freemasonry looks at how the port of Runcorn played a part in Masonic history, and how another port - Liverpool, also played an important part in the history of Freemasonry, with Freemasons involved in the slave trade. I will be giving a number of talks this year about the book, especially in Liverpool, and will be concentrating on the Liverpool Masons who were involved in the slave trade and the Liverpool Masonic Rebellion - both popular topics in the city. For information on the forthcoming talks keep an eye out on the blog. Some signed copies are still available in the Curiosity Book Shop, to enquire check out the link: http://www.curiositybookshop.com/

The news fearture is also available online: http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/runcorn-widnes-breaking-news/2011/02/02/merseyside-author-releases-second-book-about-runcorn-s-impact-on-freemasonry-55368-28101206/

Selected Photos from The Transformation of Freemasonry

2011-01-26T06:35:00.001-08:00

This is a photo of The Masonic pub in Runcorn, Cheshire, which actually features in my first book The Genesis of Freemasonry, but is also discussed as an early Masonic Hall in the second book as well. It was built in 1863 and is a beautiful building; displaying numerous Masonic symbols on the front. It was the location of the local Ellesmere Lodge from 1863-1932, and the lodge still meets in Runcorn today. The pub had an additional level but it was altered a few decades ago.

Signed copies of both books are available in the excellent independent Curiosity Book Shop in Runcon, for details check the link: http://www.curiositybookshop.com/

Selected photos from The Transformation of Freemasonry

2011-01-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of the Egyptian Suite in the Masonic Hall at Hope Street, Liverpool. It is a Chapter Room which reveals the imagery associated with the Royal Arch Ritual. The photo features in my book The Transformation of Freemasonry, and will be available as a colour photo in the hard back special edition of the book which is published later this month, which will have colour plates as opposed to the black and white photos available in the current soft back edition.

The book discusses how Masonic Hall's became popular with lodges during the later half of the nineteenth century, and also discusses how the Royal Arch ritual developed - a ritual which was considered as a fourth degree by the 'Antient's' Grand Lodge and by the Liverpool Masonic Rebels and the Wigan Grand Lodge.

I will be posting information on the special edition soon, which is also being sold as a unique limited edition package with the first edition of my first book 'The Genesis of Freemasonry'. For information on the current edition which is currently at No.2 on the US Arima chart, check out the link for Arima Publishing: http://www.arimapublishing.co.uk/bookshopuk/bookinfo/book_184549437

Selected pictures from The Transformation of Freemasonry

2010-12-20T09:57:00.000-08:00

I've had a few requests to post up some of the photos which appear in my new book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry', there are quite a few photos in the new book and all relate to the historical events which are discussed, such as the Warrington Dissenting Academy which was opened in 1757 and had two Masonic tutors from the local Lodge of Lights, the Academy creating a cultural circle in the developing Industrial town, a circle which included other Freemasons.

I took a number of shots of the old Academy building - one being chosen to go in the final proof of the book, though all the shots reveal its elegance and Georgian splendor. The Academy moved to another larger building in Warrington in 1762, but finally closed in 1786. The statue of Oliver Cromwell now stands outside to the left of the building in the photo.

The book uses local studies in England and Wales to put forward how Freemasonry transformed itself during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and discusses the themes of education, charity and how the local Freemasons assisted in developing their communities, both culturally and in developing civic improvements. More photos from the book will be posted soon.

New Reviews and Endorsements for The Transformation of Freemasonry

2010-11-30T05:41:00.000-08:00

'This book gives us a thorough and sound view of how Freemasonry transformed itself, adapted and greatly influenced social history in the 18th and 19th centuries.'

Fred Lomax, writer and Masonic historian, The Square

'An excellent read and a worthy follow on from Harrison's first book The Genesis of Freemasonry.'

Mike Chapple, reviewer and writer, formerly of The Daily Post

'David has set about trying to paint a picture of Freemasonry in the first half of the nineteenth century, and chose to do so not at Grand and formal level but at a lodge and individual brother level.'

John Belton, writer and Masonic historian

The book is avalable on Amazon at a discount price:

http://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Freemasonry-David-Harrison/dp/1845494377/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286397957&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transformation-Freemasonry-David-Harrison/dp/1845494377/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1286450590&sr=1-1

Reviews for the new book The Transformation of Freemasonry

2010-11-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

'Dr. Harrison's work represents an important scholarly contribution to the study of the Masonic fraternity's many philosophical, educational and scientific influences, particularly as they have affected the development of the modern world.'

Shawn Eyer, Editor, Philalethes: The Journal of Masonic Research and Letters

'Although the history of Freemasonry is "to a great extent obscure", Dr. David Harrison has produced a detailed historical work which might well be used as a reference for the serious student of Masonic history during the two hundred years after the formation of the first Grand Lodge. From the makeup of its membership to the "revolt" which occurred after the United Grand Lodge was formed, this book is a wealth of difficult to obtain information!'

John L. Palmer, Managing Editor, Knight Templar magazine

'Dr. David Harrison has produced a deeply researched and thoroughly engrossing follow-up to 'The Genesis of Freemasonry' which gives an insight into the changes that Freemasonry underwent in nineteenth century England. Amongst its many accomplishments, the book demonstrates that in an ever-changing society, certain charismatic and energetic individuals were able to save their lodges from near-extinction. This will resonate with many modern Masons, and is something that modern Freemasonry can take heart from.'

Kenneth C. Jack, Writer: - 'The Ashlar', 'Masonic Magazine', 'Scottish Rite Journal'.

Press features regarding the new book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry'

2010-11-02T12:51:00.001-07:00

The above article reports on a book signing event which I did at the famous Curiosity Book shop in Runcorn, Cheshire, which specialises in local history. The event included the local press, members of the local Ellesmere Lodge which used to meet in The Masonic Pub there in the later part of the 19th century, and members of the public. The books sold out in the end so the signing went well! Here is the online link: http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/runcorn-widnes-local-news/2009/06/18/dr-david-harrison-of-liverpool-university-signs-copies-of-the-genesis-of-freemasonry-at-the-curiosity-bookshop-55368-23900848/

The above feature is from the Runcorn Weekly News and Chester Chronicle, and discusses how a pub in Runcorn, Cheshire, called The Masonic, was an early example of a Masonic Hall in the area and was visited by a number of high ranking Freemasons during the later 19th century such as Lord De Tabley when he was Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire. This is also explored in the new book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry'. Here is the online link to the feature: http://blogs.chesterchronicle.co.uk/cheshire-memories/2009/05/runcorn-memories-new-book-tell.html

Above is a feature in the Daily Post which mentions the Liverpool Masonic Rebellion of 1823, a subject which is discussed in my second book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry'. The gravestone in the picture, which shows the mysterious Masonic symbols of the 'All-seeing Eye' and the Compass and Set-Square, can be found in St. James' cemetery in Liverpool below the Anglican Cathedral. The gravestone has its own unique Masonic story which is retold in the new book.
Here is the online link to the feature in the Daily Post:

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/01/14/freemasons-origins-unearthed-by-liverpool-university-academic-64375-22688133/

The Transformation of Freemasonry now available on Amazon:

2010-10-07T04:18:00.001-07:00

The new book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry' is now available on Amazon, click on the links to check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Freemasonry-David-Harrison/dp/1845494377/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286397957&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transformation-Freemasonry-David-Harrison/dp/1845494377/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1286450590&sr=1-1

Press Features Regarding my new book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry'

2010-09-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here are a few recent press features relating to my recently published book 'The Transformation of Freemasonry' (Arima Publishing) - the follow-on from the best selling 'The Genesis of Freemasonry' (Lewis Masonic).

The article to the right was featured in the recent edition of the Warrington Guardian. The Guardian office in Warrington is based in the old Dissenting Academy building, an 18th century educational centre which was supported by Freemasons from the Warrington based Lodge of Lights. Two Academy tutors; John Reinhold Forster and Jacob Bright, were members of the lodge, and a number of other Freemasons, such as French Revolutionary Jean Paul Marat and the radical free thinker Dr. Richard Price, became linked to the Academy. John Reinhold Forster left the Academy to accompany Captain Cook on his second voyage. The photograph was taken in the Academy boardroom next to the marble fireplace which is an original feature of the 18th century Academy building.

The following link is another feature which appeared in the recent Oldham Chronicle, and discusses how the Oldham based Lodge of Friendship - in a similar fashion to the Warrington based Lodge of Lights - supported local education and charity. The Lodge of Friendship openly supported the Oldham Lyceum in the 19th century, and like the Warrington based lodge, the Oldham lodge also supplied evidence for labouring men entering into Freemasonry in the early 19th century. The minutes of the lodge also mentioned the Peterloo Massacre of 1819: http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/47275/lodged-in-a-secret-past

Another feature in the Daily Post can be seen through the following link, and features an interview in which I discuss the Liverpool Masonic Rebellion, which is also discussed in my new book: http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/01/14/freemasons-origins-unearthed-by-liverpool-university-academic-64375-22688133/

The new book can be purchased from: http://www.arimapublishing.co.uk/

The Transformation of Freemasonry is now available

2010-09-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

My new book The Transformation of Freemasonry is now available from the publishers website http://www.arimapublishing.co.uk/ The launch has been supported by a number of features in the press which I will post up shortly. The book will also be available on Amazon soon. The work continues the historical analysis of Freemasonry which I started in my first book The Genesis of Freemasonry, and focuses on the development and transformation of the Craft after the Unlawful Societies Act of 1799, looking at the mysterious Liverpool Masonic Rebellion, how certain Freemason's were linked to the slave trade, and the how certain occultists were attracted to Freemasonry in the Victorian era.

New Book: The Transformation of Freemasony

2010-08-04T04:02:00.001-07:00

The Transformation of Freemasonry is the eagerly awaited second book on the history of Freemasonry by Dr. David Harrison, continuing his work which appeared in The Genesis of Freemasonry. This new book looks at how Freemasonry in England and Wales adapted after the Unlawful Societies Act of 1799, and how the Craft became tinted with the stigma of Revolution. Harrison delves into Masonic links with the slave trade, especially in Liverpool and the Trans-Atlantic links with the USA, and discusses the mysterious Liverpool Masonic Rebellion and the Wigan Grand Lodge. Harrison also looks at how Freemasonry transformed itself during the 19th century, and how the Craft began to appeal to Victorian Occultists.

This fascinating new book is a must for any reader who enjoyed Harrison's first book The Genesis of Freemasonry, and will be enjoyed by both Freemasons and general readers alike.

2010-05-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

Reviews for The Genesis of Freemasonry

'a well crafted work, a stimulating book, well researched...it is a book that provokes thought...' AQC

'this book really does give you all the answers...' Masonic Art Exchange

'A considerable amount of good information is to be found in this book, in depth and fair analysis...an easy book to recommend' The Northern Light

'A fascinating book...The Genesis of Freemasonry is an invaluable resource for future historians...Harrison demonstrates that the reality about Freemasonry is even more compelling than the myths...' Paranormal Magazine

'sound and solid, thorough in its research and its enquiry...' Fortean Times

'a valuable tool for the Masonic researcher...' Knight Templar Magazine

‘An excellent read’ Daily Post

‘I can commend its purchase to any curious and enquiring reader’ The Square Magazine

‘Dr Harrison is a workman of proven skill in the craft of roughing primary and secondary sources into a smooth thesis’ PIETRE-STONES

The book can be purchased from all good book outlets or direct from http://www.lewismasonic.com/

2010-02-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Recent Magazines which feature articles and reviews on the critically acclaimed book

'The Genesis of Freemasonry'

'Magic Masons' - an article discussing the book 'The Genesis of Freemasonry' by the author - supported by an excellent review of the book features in January's issue of the UK based 'Paranormal Magazine'.

A new article on the book 'The Genesis of Freemasonry' by David Harrison appears in this months issue of the renowned US based 'History Magazine' - it presents some of the themes from the book; ritual change and the search for Solomon's Temple, and mentions some of the prominent early Freemasons such as Elias Ashmole, Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Jean Theophilus Desaguliers - whets the appetite for the book nicely.

'Freemasonry's Secret Science' a new article in relation to the book by David Harrison in the excellent new special issue of the Australian based 'New Dawn Magazine' - out this month.

New Excellent Reviews for 'The Genesis of Freemasonry' by Dr. David Harrison

2010-01-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

Review from Masonic Art Exchange magazine on pages 26-27 : http://masonic-ae.com/newsletters/v1i5.html

Review from Knights Templar magazine: http://knightstemplar.org/KnightTemplar/

Review from the American based Trestleboard online magazine: http://www.york563.org/Trestleboards/2009/September2009.pdf

Sky TV interview with Dr David Harrison

2009-10-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

Sky TV interview with Dr. David Harrison, author of 'The Genesis of Freemasonry', on Gardiners' World, Edge Media: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66nd7f7uZ5g

New Book: The Genesis of Freemasonry

2009-06-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

This book is a revealing and thoroughly enjoyable journey through the intricate history of English Freemasonry. Historian Dr David Harrison reconstructs the hidden history of the movement, tracing its roots through a mixture of mediaeval guild societies, magic, alchemy and necromancy. He examines the earliest known Freemasons and their obsessions with Solomon's Temple, alchemy and prophecy to the formation of the Grand Lodge in London, which in turn led to rebellions within the Craft throughout England, especially in York and with the formation of the antients. Harrison also analyses the role of French immigrant Dr Jean Theophilus Desaguliers in the development of English Freemasonry, focussing on his involvement with the formation of the mysterious modern Masonic ritual. All Freemasons and more general readers will find much of interest in this fascinating exploration of the very beginnings of Freemasonry, still one of the most mysterious brotherhoods in the world. The book has recieved excellent reviews and is available at all book outlets.

reviews:

www.borders.co.uk:

This is a fantastic informative book, charting the origins of Freemasonry from its dark mysterious past of magic and alchemy, up to the foundation of the Grand Lodges in the eighteenth century. The book also mentions famous Freemasons such as Natural Philosophers like Christopher Wren and Jean Desaguliers, poets like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, and many more. This book reveals the true beginnings of a much misunderstood society. I highly recommend this book, full of facts, nicely done . I give it a 5 star!

www.amazon.com:

This stellar book is a well written documented history of the beginnings of Freemasonry during the late seventeenth century and throughout eighteenth century England. The author Historian Dr. David Harrison takes you on a fascinating journey through all the little nuances of the Craft.

Exploring the roots of Freemasonry and all it's degrees, the lodges, Grand Lodges, and the men who became Freemasons. The book mentions men like Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Wren, Elas Ashmole, Oliver Cromwell, Jean Desaguliers, Alexander Pope and many more.

It explores the rituals, the architecture of Freemasonry, the politics of Freemasonry, the rebellion within Freemasonry, the reconciliation and the coming together under the United Grand Lodge of England. It Shows how the Craft evolved and how it used elements of architecture, science, mathematics, poetry, art, magic, alchemy and astronomy as it's foundation. The author discusses the three transitions of English Freemasonry and the cultural impact of the Craft.

Most will find this book very informative on a subject which has long been filled with secrecy. Packed with facts and fascinating photos this book is a serious look into the world of Freemasonry. I highly recommend it. 5 stars all around! Nice one to add to your book library.

Promotional film for the book:

Interviews & Reviews:

Daily Post: http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/01/14/freemasons-origins-unearthed-by-liverpool-university-professor-64375-22688133/
Cheshire Chronicle: http://blogs.chesterchronicle.co.uk/cheshire-memories/2009/05/runcorn-memories-new-book-tell.html

The Square: http://www.thesquaremagazine.com/news/?p=30

Pietre-Stones: http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/book-genesis-freemasonry.html