SHAKESPEARE, CREATOR OF FREEMASONRY
London: Rider & Co. N.D, 1933? First Edition. Cloth. Grey cloth binding rubbed and slightly soiled, spine ends & corners lightly scuffed; inked name on front free endpaper; leaf edges, paste-downs, endpapers lightly browned & foxed else a nice, tight book. B&W illustrations. Scarce.; 8vo; 283 pages. Library label to rear paste-down.
In 1933 Past Master Alfred Dodd published a book that purported to contain evidence linking William Shakespeare with the creation of Freemasonry, an international secret society built around an interest in esoteric knowledge, including the ancient art of alchemy. In the book, Shakespeare: Creator of Freemasonry, Dodd focuses on the Masonic symbolism in two plays, Love's Labours Lost and The Tempest. Except for two brief references he ignores Macbeth, an indispensable play in establishing Shakespeare's ties to Freemasonry, the entire play appears to have been written as an allegory for the bloody murder of Hiram Abiff, the core figure of Masonic ritual.'
In 1933 Past Master Alfred Dodd published a book that purported to contain evidence linking William Shakespeare with the creation of Freemasonry, an international secret society built around an interest in esoteric knowledge, including the ancient art of alchemy. In the book, Shakespeare: Creator of Freemasonry, Dodd focuses on the Masonic symbolism in two plays, Love's Labours Lost and The Tempest. Except for two brief references he ignores Macbeth, an indispensable play in establishing Shakespeare's ties to Freemasonry. The entire play appears to have been written as an allegory for the bloody murder of Hiram Abiff, the core figure of Masonic ritual.
Upon reaching the third degree the Masonic initiate is led through the mock ritual killing of Hiram Abiff, one of three original Grand Masters of Freemasonry. According to legend, Abiff had promised his architects that he would reveal to them all the secrets known by a Master Mason once the construction of Solomon's Temple was completed. Three of the builders-Jubela, Jubelo, and Jubelum- were too impatient to wait and attacked Abiff, demanding to hear "the Master's Word" immediately. Abiff refused, after which the three "unworthy craftsmen" committed the ultimate betrayal by killing their Master (Robinson 218, 219).
$660.00 Usd. good. Item #481
Price (USD): $660.00