Freemasons For Dummies website Amazon Category:  History Publisher: Wiley ISBN-10:  0764597965 Pages: 384 Copyright: 2005 An introduction to the oldest, best-known "secret society," the fraternity of the Freemasons. “No book since John Robinson’s ‘Born In Blood’ has created more interest and excitement in Masonic circles and among the general public.” Carl Wilson The Rite Recorder Since its publication in September 2005, Freemasons For Dummies® has been the fastest and best selling guide to the ancient and accepted fraternity of Freemasonry. It is a plain-English guide to Freemasonry—the society that's reportedly at the center of Dan Brown's forthcoming novel The Solomon Key. This eye-opening guide, written by a Past Master, demystifies and explains the organization's origins in medieval Europe, its philosophy and purpose, and, of course, the elaborate rituals, secret signs, and cryptic symbols that set Freemasonry apart from other fraternal orders. The book profiles famous Freemasons throughout history, including many of America's Founding Fathers, as well as prominent politicians and business leaders. It offers a balanced assessment of the many controversies and conspiracy theories that continue to swirl around Freemasonry. For anyone looking for an evenhanded overview of Freemasonry's past, present, and future, this guide is the key. Freemasons For Dummies explains: • The legendary and historic origins of Freemasonry • The philosophy of Freemasonry • Politics, religion and why Masons don't mix with them • How lodges and Grand Lodges are organized: who does what and why • Masonic recognition and regularity • Prince Hall Freemasonry • Masonic ceremonies, rituals and symbolism • Rosicrucianism, the Illuminatti, the Knights Templar and the Freemasons • Myths and misconceptions about Masonry • The Appendant bodies: York and Scottish Rite Masonry, and the extended Masonic world • Non-Masonic fraternal organizations • Freemasonry, society and the future • How to find and join a lodge • Complete listing of all mainstream and Prince Hall Grand Lodges in the U.S. & Canada • PLUS Top Ten lists: Famous Masons; Conspiracies and Hoaxes; Masonic Landmarks • PLUS The Regius Manuscript and Anderson's Constitutions Individual lodges and Grand Lodges all across the U.S. and Canada are finding that Freemasons For Dummies is the perfect guide for new Entered Apprentices, Fellow Craft and Master Masons just learning about the Craft, as well as for seasoned members looking to further their Masonic education. And it's a great introduction for non-Masons, and the families of Masons.      “Brother Hodapp treats the topic with honesty and sincerity, but not with a cloying reverence. . . Highly recommended, especially for the new Mason.” Jim Tresner Scottish Rite Journal   “Outside of a Masonic roast beef supper, it’s the best twenty bucks you’ll spend this year. . .  I recommend you buy a couple of copies because the first one will be dog-eared in no time.” Stephen Dafoe Author, Nobly Born “If you are new to Freemasonry and want to learn more about it but cannot stomach dusty tomes with unpronounceable titles hidden in your local libraries, ‘Freemasons For Dummies’ is for you.” Jose Diaz Grand Lodge of Ohio “I have enjoyed reading many portions out loud to my wife. . . She now understands more of what I hold so dear to my heart.” Greg Johns, Evansville, IN “Chris Hodapp has written a darn good book.” S Brent Morris Author, The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Freemasonry

Freemasons For Dummies
Empire State Freemason Magazine
by Bil Vassily

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.


The Pennsylvania Freemason
Masonic Book Reviews
by Cathy Giaimo, Assistant Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

May 2006

As most Masons are aware, one can never get too much information about Freemasonry, but the trick is getting the correct information. The Library recently acquired two new books that should be helpful to all interested in the "how" and "why" of the fraternity.


With the popularity of the "Dummies" books, it was only a matter of time before someone wrote one in that familiar format on Freemasonry. Hence the book, "Freemasons for Dummies," written by Christopher Hodapp, Past Master and Knight Templar, as noted on the cover. Bro. Hodapp does a commendable job of explaining the many facets of Freemasonry and its history and answers questions that people have asked in an easy-to-read format, with a touch of humor.


Bro. Hodapp has divided the book into six parts, such as "What is Freemasonry?," "The Mechanics of Freemasonry" and "Freemasonry Today and Tomorrow," among other subject headings. Each chapter includes bullet points, illustrations and interesting side stories relative to the chapter. The best part about "Freemasons for Dummies" is that the reader can pick out a chapter of interest, such as "The Ceremonies of Freemasons," and read it without feeling they missed something by skipping the earlier chapters. It is an easy reference book to use that most Masons and their family members would find most helpful.

The Square Magazine
“The book is a delight; no Masonic prudery here, no academic dry as dust chapters, no grand lodge views as determined by a camel of a committee—rather, a simple, readable style that encourages one to read on.”