Enhance Your Masonic Knowledge and Insight
Our Reading Courses feature a diverse selection of volumes and topics, reflecting both contemporary theories and classic ideas within each subject area. We combine modern scholarship with respected works by Masonic authors and other experts, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive appreciation of the available literature. In keeping with Masonic tradition, these courses encourage participants to explore new information and develop their own perspectives and practices.
Each topic lists some of the more important works that are available at your local Lodge library, or at the popular bookshops. Some of the out-of-print books might only be available either as PDF ebooks, or at antique booksellers such as Abebooks.com.
If you use the links below to purchase these books at Amazon.com then you will directly support the Austin Masonic Museum through the affiliate program. We appreciate your support.
These courses are unstructured, and are an invitation to gain more light and a deeper understanding of topics of importance to Freemasonry. They are open to all who seek more knowledge.
We welcome your feedback on our current offerings and invite suggestions for new titles or courses.
Foundational Reading Selections
Begin your journey with essential texts that establish a strong base in Masonic teachings and traditions.
Intermediate Reading Materials
Expand your comprehension with carefully chosen works that explore complex concepts and historical contexts.
Advanced Scholarly Resources
Engage with profound writings that challenge and enrich your knowledge of Masonic philosophy and legacy.
Explore the Masonic Reading Course
Access a curated list of readings tailored for each Masonic degree, designed to deepen your understanding of Masonic principles and heritage.

General Info
Foundational texts that introduce the core values and symbols of Freemasonry.
The Freemasons, by Jasper Ridley
The Way of The Craftsman, by Kirk MacNulty
The Craft, by John Dickie
The Origins of Freemasonry, by Margaret C. Jacobs
Freemasonry for Dummies, by Christopher Hodapp
Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry, by S. Brent Morris

Entered Apprentice
Books that introduce the young mason to his new craft.
Esoteric Handbook for the Entered Apprentice by Robert V Lund
Introduction to Freemasonry Entered Apprentice by Carl H Claudy
Entered Apprentice Handbook by JSM Ward

Symbolism
In-depth works focusing on important masonic symbols.
Secret Power of Masonic Symbols by Robert Lomas
Craft and its Symbols by Allen Roberts
Interpretation of our Masonic Symbols by JSM Ward
Circumpunct by Holly S Remkes
Arcana of Freemasonry by Albert Churchward
Point within the Circle by Matthew Ridgley Clark
Symbolism in Craft Freemasonry by Colin Dyer
Symbolism of the Three Degrees by Oliver Day Street
Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance by W. Kirk MacNulty

Artwork
Books about Masonic aprons, tracing boards and other relevant ornaments.
Ornaments, Furniture and Jewels by Julian Rees
Tracing Boards of the Three Degrees by Julian Rees
Badge of a Freemason by Aimee E. Newell

Architecture
Masons historically were the builders of cathedrals. Freemasons are encouraged to learn more about the craft of our ancestors.
Art and Architecture of Freemasonary, by James Stevens Curl
Freemasonry & the Enlightenment, by James Stevens Curl
Passion for Compasses, by Sonja Ulrike Klug
Masonic Temples, by William D. Moore
Cathedrals Built by the Masons, by Russell Herner

Music
Many famous artists including famous musicians were members of the fraternity. Music is one of the seven liberal arts.
Magic Flute Unveiled by Jacques Chailley
Mozart the Freemason by Jacques Henry
Mozart and Masonry by Paul Nettl
Masonic Thread in Mozart by Katharine Thomson
Sibelius and his Masonic Music by Hermine Weigel Williams
Harmonies of Heaven and Earth by Joscelyn Godwin
Mysticism of Sound and Music by Hazrat Inaya Khan

Anti Masonry
Unfortunately not all people have always looked kindly on the royal art. Learn about prejudice against Freemasonry through the ages.
Is it True what they say about Freemasonry by Arturo de Hoyos
Red Triangle by Robert Cooper
Lie that will not die by Hadassa Ben-Itto
Anti-Masonic Party in USA by William P Vaughn
The Taxil Hoax by Robert Wileman
Imperfect Storm: Morgan Affair by Steven L. Harrison
William Morgan Affair by Ann W Bunch
A Light in the Darkness by Alexander P. Herbert

Bavarian Illuminati
Many people tend to confuse Freemasonry with the Illuminati. Learn about the real history of the actual illuminati.
Bavarian Illuminati: The Rise and Fall, by Rene Le Forestier
Secret School of Wisdom by Josef Wages
The Improved System Of The Illuminati With All Its Degrees And Structures by Adam Weishaupt
Perfectibilists by Terry Melanson
Adam Weishaupt and the Secrets of the Bavarian Illuminati (Comic) by Tom A. Hidell

Prince Hall Masonry
Prince Hall Masonry is deeply interwoven with the history of the USA. To truly understand Freemasonry in America one must know about Prince Hall.
Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz, by Cécile Révauger
Prince Hall Freemasonry in the Lone Star State, by Robert L. Uzzel
All Men Free and Brethren, by Peter P. Hinks
Out of the Shadows The Emergence of Prince Hall Freemasonry in America, by Alton G. Roundtree

Enlightenment
Freemasonry is a product of the Enlightenment Era. Many of the most influential authors, scientists, politicians and artists of that time were early members of the fraternity.
Speculative Freemasonry and Enlightenment by R. William Weisberger
Freemasonry Heir to the Enlightenment by Cecile Revauger
Freemasonry and Enlightenment by James S Curl
Living the Enlightenment by Margaret C. Jacobs
Radical Enlightenment by Margaret C Jacobs

Masonic Presidents
Many presidents of the USA were freemasons, including many of the founding fathers.
Our Masonic Presidents by L Randall Rogers
White House and Freemasons by B. Chris Ruli
Famous Masons and Masonic Presidents by HL Haywood
Our Thirteen Masonic Presidents by John T Jordan
Deserving Brother by Mark A. Tabbert
George Washington Masonic Life by Charles H. Callahan
Brother Truman by Allen E. Roberts
Abraham Lincoln Freemason by Dr. L.D. Carman

Freemasonry in American History
Freemasonry has been deeply interwoven throughout the history of the USA. Learn about the masonry during the American Revolution, the Civil War and more.
American Freemasons by Mark A. Tabbert
Solomon’s Builders by Christopher Hodapp
House Undivided by Allen E. Roberts
Better Angels of our Nature by Michael A. Halleran
Freemasons at Gettysburg by Sheldon A. Munn

Texas Masons
Texas has been inextricably interlinked with Freemasonry since its very beginning. Without Freemasonry there would not have been a Republic of Texas.
Masonry in Texas by James David Carter
There is no Texas without Freemasonry by James Williams
Education and Masonry in Texas by James David Carter
Masonry along the Brazos Valley by George HT French

Knights Templar
The York Rite, being one of the two major Rites of Freemasonry in USA culminates in the Commandery, generally known as the Knights Templar.
The Temple and the Lodge, by Michael Baigent
The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors, by Dan Jones
Knights Templar and their Myth by Peter Partner
Knights and Freemasons by S. Brent Morris
Secret History of Freemasonry by Paul Naudon
Dungeon, Fire, and Sword, by John Robinson

Scottish Rite
The Scottish Rite is the most influential of all the Masonic Rites, the highest level being the 33º.
Albert Pike’s Magnum Opus by Arturo de Hoyos
Albert Pike: Man behind the Monument by Jim Tresner
Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor by Arturo de Hoyos
First Century of Scottish Rite in Texas by James David Carter
History of Scottish Rite in Texas by Charles Albert Hotchkiss
Road Less Traveled by Michael J Sekera
Journey of the Elu to Enlightenment by Robert G. Davis
Vested in Glory by Jim Tresner
Other interesting books:
