The Craft: A Witch's Book of Shadows

Reviews

Keitaris G.

As an African American, I appreciate how much in-depth he explored Prince Hall Masonry and the struggle Black Americans faced in politics, society as well as in the fraternity itself, with recognition being a considerable issue. Much work, research, interviewing, and time went into this magnum opus on Freemasonry, and I’m glad I purchased it. It’s always good to know what you’re getting into and where you come from.

KSO

I highly recommend it as an introduction and reference for those who are interested and those who are in Masonry, respectfully. But being that it’s the 21st century, it should be awarded, especially if most of those men pledge their lives to the cardinal principles of Masonry and live an upright life. The Craft is an excellent history book on Freemasonry that presents it in a light that’s never been done before. And you will, too.

Some Mainstream Masons still don’t recognize Prince Hall Masons to this day because of claims that The Grand Lodge of England never formally identified their charter. It made me realize that there are no secrets—only can you keep the secrets of confidentiality, solidarity, friendship, and brotherly love. Again, this book, The Craft, presents Masonic history in a rich historical context and further explores some of the issues of Freemasonry and the persecution the fraternity faced throughout the age of its inception—the Catholic Church and dictators such as Hitler and Mussolini. .

The book showed how the fraternity turned from a place of primarily religious ties into a fraternal institution that allows religious tolerance to create a place where men and women (in some places) could experience brotherhood and harmony respectfully without the threat of political oppression or religious persecution, interference, or discrimination from different religious dogmas. Dickie, with his rich historical background on the subject, has outdone himself with this book.

The author explores Freemasonry from where it originated to the modern times with the internet that boasts nothing is hidden or secret. I am a retired US Navy Senior Chief, who was raised to Master Mason in 1992. The author covers ground from Scotland to India and other parts of the Middle East and Asia where masonry was introduced. Truthfully, I learned more about historical Masonry from this book than from all the other Masonic activities, Brethren and books I have had the pleasure of knowing in my 28+ years of Masonry.

I am a Masonic Lodge Past Master, Endowed Scottish Rite Mason, member of three Masonic Lodges in separate jurisdictions (GLTX, GLMA, GLE), and have read numerous books on Freemasonry.