The Symbolism of Freemasonry

What It's About

First published in 1869, this is Albert Mackey's systematic study of Masonic symbolism, examining how the fraternity's emblems, legends and ritual forms function as a coherent language of instruction. Mackey traces Freemasonry's symbolic roots back through the ancient mysteries, the building of Solomon's Temple, and the medieval travelling masons, arguing that the whole system exists to communicate philosophical and moral truths through symbol and allegory rather than direct doctrine.

Key Concepts

The book distinguishes between what Mackey calls the "Primitive" and "Spurious" Freemasonry of antiquity, and examines the transition from operative stonemasons' guilds to speculative (symbolic) Freemasonry. Individual chapters work through specific emblems and structures, including the form and officers of the lodge and the symbolism attached to Solomon's Temple, treating each as part of a continuous tradition of instruction by legend and symbol.

About the Author

Albert Gallatin Mackey (1807–1881) was an American physician from Charleston, South Carolina, who set aside medical practice in the 1840s to devote himself to Masonic scholarship. He held senior office within Scottish Rite Freemasonry for decades and became one of the most widely read American authorities on Masonic history, symbolism and jurisprudence.