Freemasonry is the oldest initiatory society in the world, which is not dependent upon a religious institution. It is a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. This book tells about Freemasonry’s origins, history, rituals, terminology, and current challenges. It explains Freemasonry’s part in American history, in liberating Hispanic nations from colonial rule, in breaking the connection between state and religion in Europe and Latin America, and in creating public, civil education in many countries.

The story of Freemasonry in countries of major interest to American listeners is reported. They include Mexico, Central America, Hispanic countries, and Brazil. The book reports the problem existing between Islamists and Freemasonry, and the fraternity’s status in countries in Europe; Africa; southern, southeastern, and eastern Asia; and Oceania.

It also tells about a dialog begun in Italy, which could result in the toleration of Freemasonry by the Roman Catholic Church and a challenge to Italian Freemasonry by a Mafia-type organization.

Freemasonry in English-speaking lands is well organized, but around the world it exists as many independent grand lodges, some of which recognize certain others as masonic but not others. There are Masonic lodges in almost every major city in the world. It is the largest fraternal organization in the world, which is able to attract members in the 21st Century. This book explains why Freemasonry seems relevant to so many diverse men after 300 years.