This auction is for an original 1864 edition of "THE FREEMASON'S MONITOR" by Thomas Smith Webb and George W. Chase. YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK!!! This is a book a Mason would not want you to have!  It furnishes, in a single volume, details of Masonic initiation rituals, along with symbols, grips, passwords and regalia. The duegard signs, the illusions, secret hand shakes, and passwords for the first three degrees are all here! It gives the entire initiation process for the three degrees, from beginning to end, with the story behind each degree and all the signs and gestures relating to it. There are LOTS OF ILLUSTRATIONS!!! which show important details of the rituals, including gestures, tools, and symbolic pictures. The illustrations are so numerous that they may give the lay reader an invalid impression that he finally knows all about the secrets of Masonry. Therefore, for non-masons who are simply curious about Freemasonry, there is a lot here to entertain the eye and bedazzle the mind. While the parade of illustrations accurately depict Masonic lodge activity, the illustrations may also be distractions cleverly placed by the Author so that non-Masons don't get what he is really putting down in the book. There are mysterious configurations in the illustrations along with clever clues and key words with cryptic connotation in the text. There is no Society so widely known, and yet really so little known, as that of the Masons. Even many of the members of that Ancient and Honorable Fraternity are strangely uninformed respecting its eventful past. Dealing critically and impartially with the traditions, customs, records, degrees and ceremonies of the Brotherhood, this manual contains the actual rites of the Craft, extending over a period of some seven centuries, and that of its grand structures. Myth here gives up its underlying truth. The numerous engravings which adorn this work bear testimony to the earnest desire of the Publishers to spare no effort or expense necessary to the production of a book which should prove in every way satisfactory to those interested in the subject treated. Masons will find this an indispensable tool to bone up on their degree work, and non-Masons will find it simple, informative, and it may even inspire them to petition a lodge and experience the real thing. Published during the Civil War, in 1864, it is in VERY GOOD CONDITION! for its age and especially to be 144 YEARS OLD!!! ALL PAGES ARE PRESENT!!! and tightly bound with NO TEARS!!! It measures 3" x 4 1/4" and is complete with all 352 pages. This is an EXTREMELY RARE!!! Freemason's Monitor that a search of all the major internet book sites reveals this to be the ONLY ONE AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE!!! at the time of this listing so...GET IT WHILE YOU CAN!!!  We accept personal checks and money orders only. NO PAYPAL.