Travis Simpkins: "Cracking the Freemasons Code" by Robert L.D. Cooper

"Cracking the Freemasons Code:

The Truth About Solomon's Key and the Brotherhood"

by Robert L.D. Cooper

Atria Books, 2006

Brief Review by Travis Simpkins

Told from an avowedly Scottish perspective, Robert L.D. Cooper's Cracking the Freemasons Code: The Truth About Solomon's Key and the Brotherhood offers a passionate overview of the origins of the Craft. In his job as Curator of the Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum & Library, Bob Cooper is in a privileged position to have access to original antiquarian source documents. He is a learned scholar and is recognized as one of Britain's leading experts on Freemasonry.
The book, approachable in it's format, presents many basic and key elements of Masonry, as well as a thoughtful look at the mysterious and varied history surrounding the brotherhood. Topics covered in the text include mysteries of the Masons, the earliest rituals, the Masonic lodge and the three degrees, tools, symbols, signs, constitutions, orations and a brief aside about alternate secret societies like the Order of the Free Gardeners. Of note are the chapters describing the tracing boards and symbols of the first three degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason), all beautifully described. Bob's grasp and interest in the early history of Masonry, and it's transition from operative to speculative, is palpable. From William Schaw to James Anderson, Samuel Pritchard and Andrew Ramsay… the storied contributions of Masonic forebears make for intriguing study.
The writing style and tone are particularly gripping and admirable, as it is evident that Brother Cooper has great respect and passion for the Craft and it's teachings have become integral to his way of life.