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Review of "Freemasonry for Dummies" by Chris Hodapp - Review by Bil
Vassily
Please do not be put off by the title. It is a part of the series by Wiley
Publishers. They have over 400 volumes on almost every subject under the sun.
Christiantiy for Dummies, Judaism....., Islam....., the Bible....., the
Koran.....Accounting.....Computers...., the Internet..... etc.
Here is my review:
Having been a member of the Masonic fraternity for more than forty years, I have
had occasion to read most of the classics on explaining and defending
Freemasonry. Now we have a single volume that treats the subject in a clear and
fair fashion.
Brother Chris Hodapp has produced the very best one volume book on the general
background of Freemasonry that I have ever read. As is true with all of the "for
Dummies" series it is a primer about the subject. Since it is written in the
style of the "for Dummies"
books, it is an easy read and doesn't get bogged down in a lot of
technicalities. However, since it is so general, there will be some Masons that
will find that a few details don't fit their particular jurisdiction. This does
not spoil the soup!
The history of the Craft covers the subject in an across-the-board manner that
gives the reader enough to understand where it came from and how it evolved.
The section on religion is an excellent treatment that is fair to the objections
of some religious bodies and helps the reader to understand some of the
criticisms of Masonry. Yet it gives viable arguments that support Freemasonry in
spite of some of these objections. And the hoaxes, myths and misconceptions
about the fraternity are very well presented.
Explanations of the organization of Masonry and the history and place that the
variety of appendant bodies have within the fraternity, are excellent.
The thoughts about the future of this centuries old fraternity are positive and
even suggestions for its revitalization are interesting and timely.
This is THE book for anyone that does not know anything about the Craft as well
as the member that may know something of his fraternity but can't quite put it
all in perspective. And, the seasoned veteran of the Craft will also learn a
lot.
I heartily endorse the book for anyone interested in the subject of Freemasonry.
Bravo, Bro. Chris!!!
Bro. Bil Vassily, Past Master
Liverpool Syracuse Lodge #501
Grand Lodge of New York
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