This list is compiled from the personal views of myself, Amazon sales charts, Goodreads, and general discussion of must-read Masonic texts from various Brothers around the internet. These books range from titles excellent for the individual curious about Freemasonry or the newly raised Brother to those who’s Masonic careers are long in the tooth and want to expand their knowledge of the Craft. These would make great personal reading or to read in your Lodge book club, some of these are even in numerous Masonic best seller book lists! In no particular order, onward to the list:

The Mason’s Words: The History and Evolution of the American Masonic Ritual – the meticulous, documented, research in this text provides a fantastic look at Freemasonry from the 18th and 19th centuries and is presented in such a way that it engages the reader and is actually an enjoyable experience, later books in this list can be quite dry at times, but this book is an exception.

Freemasons For Dummies – in this book Bro. Hodapp masterfully enlightens readers on the basics of Freemasonry. This text is a must-read for those that are curious about Masonry and newly raised Brothers.

The Masonic Myth: Unlocking the Truth About the Symbols, the Secret Rites, and the History of Freemasonry – in The Masonic Myth Bro. Kinney tackles some rumors and theories surrounding Freemasonry. Note, this book does have some incorrect information (Sean Connery, for example, is not a Mason), but overall it’s absolutely worth a read.

The Builders: A Story and Study of Freemasonry – in The Builders Bro. Newton offers us a scholarly look at the general origins and history of Freemasonry. Written in 1914, it’s possible readers will find the style a bit… different than they are accustomed to, but it’s by no means terrible. The ancient mystery religions as well as the birth of ‘modern’ speculative Freemasonry in the early 18th century. The Librarian prefers The Mason’s Word to this title but still finds it a worthy read for all Brothers.

Operative Freemasonry: A Manual for Restoring Light and Vitality to the Fraternity – best described as ‘a manual on the art and practice of Freemasonry’ this title by Bro. White is a must-read for any Masons interested in the officer and recommended for all Brothers that wish to get something out of Freemasonry.

The Meaning of Masonry – I have several copies of this book on my shelves, I received a copy or two as gifts after being raised and I am guilty of buying a copy or four for myself. Written by Wilmshurst roughly a century ago, this title is still a treasure. All Masons should own a copy (and in fact, Amazon regularly has used copies for as little as a penny plus shipping, so there’s no excuse)..

Encyclopedia Of Freemasonry: Extended Annotated Edition – ideally try to find one of the leather-bound 100ish-year-old editions. Otherwise, the Extended Annotated Edition is good enough. Bro. Mackey put together an excellent resource when he made these two volumes, and every Brother should have it on their shelves, even if to turn to a page at random and read from time to time.

A Traditional Observance Lodge: One Mason’s Journey to Fulfillment – Bro. Porter goes into detail on Traditional Observance Lodges, some have even referred to this as a formal guide to forming a TO Lodge. Well worth a read if you have ever wondered about TO Lodges and have yet to visit one.

The Secret Teachings of All Ages: An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy – Bro. Hall’s text is best described from the Amazon listing “A dense encyclopedia and a solid starting point from which to dive into subjects such as the Qabbala, Alchemy, Tarot, Ceremonial Magic, Neo-Platonic Philosophy, Mystery Religions, and the theory of Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry.” it’s well worth a read by all Brothers interested in the esoteric aspects of speculative Masonry.

Morals and Dogma: Of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry – Yes, it says Scottish Rite. Bro Pike has lecture after lecture in this title, which pushes it to nearly 900 pages and is by no means at all a book one should expect to tackle quickly. Every Mason should read this sometime in their life if they choose to go Scottish Rite or not. Do yourself a favor, and spend a little extra, find one of the older leather versions.

Well, there you have it. My top 10 list of must-read Masonic books. Are you in a Masonic book club, if so share what you’re reading in the comments!