Speculative Freemasonry and the Enlightenment - by R William Weisberger (Paperback)

About the Book

"This comparative work describes how Masons on both sides of the Atlantic were, for the most part, either enlighteners, political reformers or moderate revolutionaries. Contrary to conspiracy theories, 18th century Masons gave minimal support to radical revolutionary ideas and leaders"--

Book Synopsis

Freemasonry began with stonemasons in the Middle Ages experiencing the decline of cathedral building. Some guilds invited honorary memberships to boost their numbers. These usually highly educated new members practiced symbolic or "speculative Freemasonry."

The new Masonic lodges and learned societies offered their growing numbers of Protestant, Catholic and Jewish members an understanding of deism, Newtonian science and representative government, and of literature and the fine arts.

This work describes how Masons on both sides of the Atlantic were mostly either enlighteners, political reformers or moderate revolutionaries. They offered minimal support to radical revolutionary ideas and leaders.

Review Quotes

"It is commonly accepted that the morals and lessons of early Freemasonry were inspired by the Enlightenment thought, but Weisberger looks to reverse the usual order of the relationship by showing how the goals of the Enlightenment were furthered by Freemasonry. His thesis is ambitious...[in] the sections about the Lodge of the Nine Sisters in Paris and the True Harmony Lodge in Vienna the book finally finds its footing and voice. I found these sections, as well as the appendix on how Freemasonry (and particularly the Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection) worked to secure civic rights for Jews following the American Revolution, to be fascinating reading."-The Northern Light; "a useful and thought-provoking exploration of our founding years...recommend"-The Ohio Beacon; "An important book for the serious Masonic scholar...the reader is provided insights uniquely Masonic; erudite and compelling."-Donald B. Reece, Past Master, Ohio Lodge of Research

About the Author

R. William Weisberger has long been a professor of history at Butler County Community College in Pennsylvania and an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh. He has written articles for the East European Quarterly and Pennsylvania History and book reviews for The American Historical Review, The Journal of American History and The Journal of Social History.