About this item
Take the mystery out of the FreemasonsFascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings.With new and improved content, including updated examples and references throughout, this new edition of Freemasons For Dummies provides the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide to the subject on the market. * Updated expert coverage of the basic beliefs and philosophy behind Freemasonry * Revised information on the history of the society, including updates concerning its founding, famous historical members, and pivotal events * New coverage devoted to the recent influx of younger membership * The latest and ongoing controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry * The role of women in a Masonic organization, including opportunities for women to participate in Freemasonry * The effects cultural and political changes and worldwide events are having on the organizationIf you're intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies.
About the Author
Christopher L. Hodapp is the Associate Director of the Masonic Library and Museum of Indiana and the Editor Emeritus of the Journal of The Masonic Society. He is the author of the best-selling Freemasons For Dummies, and Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C. His Freemasons For Dummies blog is the world's most widely read source of national and international news about the Masonic fraternity.His newest book, Heritage Endures, was published in January 2018. He is also the co-author with Alice Von Kannon of The Templar Code For Dummies and Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies For Dummies. A Mason since 1998, Chris is currently the Worshipful Master of the Dwight L. Smith Lodge of Research U.D. He is a Past Master of Broad Ripple Lodge No. 643 and of Lodge Vitruvian No. 767, Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana; he is a member of Indiana's Schofield Lodge 1818 U.D.; and of Internet Lodge No. 9659 in the Province of East Lancashire of the United Grand Lodge of England. He is a 33 Scottish Rite Freemason and a Knight Templar, and belongs to countless appendant Masonic bodies and research organizations. Chris spent more than twenty-five years editing, writing and directing as a commercial filmmaker for regional and national clients. He has written for corporate and non-profit programs, and his voice has appeared in many television and radio commercials. He is a popular speaker and appears on radio and TV, and at Masonic lodges and schools across North America. In 2010, Hodapp and Von Kannon developed episodes for the History Channel program, "Brad Meltzer's Decoded," and web content for TruTV. They have appeared on History, Discovery, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and the American Heroes Channel, most recently on "America: Fact Vs. Fiction." Chris and Alice live in Indianapolis, Indiana when they aren't traveling the U.S. and startling the citizenry in their Airstream trailer. They have just welcomed the newest addition into their family, Sophie the flying poodle.
