Unravel the mysteries of the Masons All the myths and rumors about Masonic organizations probably have you wondering "what do Masons really do?" Questions like this one are a natural by-product of being the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This book is an ideal starting place to find answers to your questions about the secret and not-so-secret things about Freemasonry. Now in its third edition, this international best-seller peeks behind the door of your local Masonic lodge and explains the meanings behind the rituals, rites, and symbols of the organization. Along the way the book covers nearly 3,000 years of Masonic history, introduces you to some famous Freemasons you already know from history books, and explains the relationship with related groups like Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Order of Eastern Star, and the beloved fez-wearing Shriners. Look inside the book to learn: What it takes to become a member of the Freemasons, and what you can expect when you join - How Lodges are organized and what really goes on during Masonic ceremonies - The basic beliefs and philosophies of Freemasonry, including how Masons contribute to charity, and society in general - The origins behind some of the wild myths and conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry and how to debunk (most of) them Written by a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and the president of the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana, Freemasons For Dummies is a must-read guide for anyone interested in this ancient fraternal order, whether you're looking to join or are just curious about some of the more mysterious aspects of Freemasonry. "Highly recommended, especially for the new Mason." - Jim Tresner, Scottish Rite Journal " I recommend you buy a couple of copies because the first one will be dog-eared in no time." - Stephen Dafoe, Author of Nobly Born "I think this book is the best thing that has happened to Freemasonry in many a moon, causing many a brother to read a Masonic book for the first time..." - Ralph Herbald, PM, Southern California Research Lodge "Chris Hodapp has produced the very best one-volume book on the general background of Freemasonry that I have ever read." - Bil Vassily, Grand Lodge of New York "Chris Hodapp has written a darn good book." - S. Brent Morris, Author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Freemasonry Readers of Fraternal Review magazine have rated Freemasons For Dummies as #2 on their list of "Top Masonic Books" (2016), and one of the "10 Best Masonic Books of the Millenium" (2021). Peek behind the door of your local Mason Lodge Who are the Freemasons? The list includes at least fourteen U.S. Presidents, five English kings, famous businessmen and entertainers, and probably a few of your family members, neighbors, or colleagues. Even with so many Freemasons in our daily lives and history books, the organization remains shrouded in mystery to those not part of the group. This book helps demystify the rituals, rites, and symbols of the centuries-old organization. It’s an ideal guide for anyone interested in joining a Lodge or those simply curious about what Freemasonry is all about. Inside… What Freemasonry is (and isn’t) - The history of the Freemasons - What goes on in a Masonic Lodge - Explanations of Masonic symbols and rites - How Freemasonry differs from country to country - Descriptions of groups affiliated with Freemasonry - Insight to the mysteries and conspiracies of Freemasonry Peek behind the door of your local Mason Lodge Who are the Freemasons? The list includes at least fourteen U.S. Presidents, five English kings, famous businessmen and entertainers, and probably a few of your family members, neighbors, or colleagues. Even with so many Freemasons in our daily lives and history books, the organization remains shrouded in mystery to those not part of the group. This book helps demystify the rituals, rites, and symbols of the centuries-old organization. It’s an ideal guide for anyone interested in joining a Lodge or those simply curious about what Freemasonry is all about. Inside… What Freemasonry is (and isn’t) - The history of the Freemasons - What goes on in a Masonic Lodge - Explanations of Masonic symbols and rites - How Freemasonry differs from country to country - Descriptions of groups affiliated with Freemasonry - Insight to the mysteries and conspiracies of Freemasonry Christopher Hodapp 33° has spent more than 20 years as a member of the Freemasons, and has been awarded the 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite. His long list of authoring credits includes several books on Freemasonry as well as RVs & Campers For Dummies. He has appeared as an expert on Freemasonry on several shows on the History Channel, Discovery Channel, TruTV, and American Heroes Channel. He is currently the Associate Director of the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana, and the P.R. and Marketing Director of the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana.