Masonic Authors' Guild International

Welcome to the premiere episode of "MAGI: MLMA & IU," where we delve into the fascinating world of masonic research, education, and history! Join our knowledgeable host, Mark Tabbert, as he kicks off this exciting new series with a captivating interview featuring Glenn Visscher, the esteemed President of the Masonic Library and Museum Association (MLMA).

In this engaging episode, Glenn provides an insightful overview of the MLMA's mission to support and preserve masonic heritage through education, communication, and collaboration. Discover the origins of this vital organization, its membership structure, key activities, and its role in the broader landscape of masonic and fraternal history.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about the diverse range of institutions and individuals involved in the MLMA, from grand lodges and local lodges to dedicated amateurs and professionals around the globe. Glenn highlights the association's significant contributions, from curating precious artifacts and literature to promoting best practices in museum and library management.

Additionally, Glenn shares exciting details about the MLMA's upcoming annual meeting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offering a unique opportunity for members to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared passion for masonic history.

Whether you're a masonic scholar, history enthusiast, or curious newcomer, this episode promises a deep dive into the heart of masonic preservation and community. Tune in and join us on this illuminating journey through the archives and artifacts that define our fraternal heritage.

Stay tuned for future episodes, as we continue to explore the rich tapestry of masonic and fraternal history with expert guests and intriguing discussions. Don't miss out—subscribe now and be part of the MAGI experience!

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MAGI launched four months ago, with a lofty vision for our work. Since 1982 and the publication of The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail, hundreds of books

have been published about Freemasonry… not counting others that discuss subjects which have come to be associated with the Craft, such as the Knights Templar, Rosslyn Chapel, and the Illuminati. 

These sensationalist publications and productions are a modern phenomena. For over 300 years much has been written about Freemasonry, but it was mainly done so by Freemasons for Freemasons, or by their critics.

Today, Freemasonry, as an institution, finds itself in a most curious position: non-Masons are writing about it, and the principal customers for most of these unreliable books are Freemasons. It is now apparent that because Freemasonry does not defend or promote itself in the publishing world, or on the internet, writers are free to produce anything they wish about the Craft.

Discerning between Fact and Opinion is a critical skill... and it's a skill that more than a few do not understand. This this episode the MAGI discuss the importance of this skill, and how it relates to Freemasonry.

John J. Robinson's 1989 book captured the attention of Freemasons around the world. His popular approach to the history of Freemasonry was romantic, novel and different from all that had gone before. In this episode, the MAGI consider not only this book's premises, but the 35 years of research that have been published since. How does Born in Blood measure up? Listen in to find out!

Professor John Dickie's book is sub-titled 'How the Freemasons made the Modern World'... which should catch the attention of Freemasons of the world - the modern world, that is. Setting aside the obvious hype, MAGI reviews this book in its usual unemotional style. Our review covers the book's main themes and its approach to the history of Freemasonry, and highlights some of more unusual aspects of the history of Freemasonry. Hint: Dickie specializes in Italian history, including (inevitably) the Mafia. Is the book worth reading? Yes. To find out exactly why, check out this episode!

Masonic Authors' Guild International reviews Christopher Hodapp's Solomon's Builders. This 1999 book has been overshadowed by the author's other book, Freemasons for Dummies, but that doesn't mean it's not worth reading. Solomon's Builders is easy to read and informative... but how close does it hew to the truth?

Masonic Authors' Guild International reviews Stephen Knight's The Brotherhood: The Secret World of the Freemasons. This book attempts to pull the curtain back on British Freemasonry, and posits that the Craft has an out-sized impact on the world around it.

Freemasons in general don't define what a "Famous Freemason" is, what makes a Freemason "famous," or whether or not these so called Famous Freemasons consider themselves to be famous or whether that title has been 'forced' upon them (wanted or not). In this episode MAGI discusses definitions of the word 'famous' and how they might be applied to Freemasons. Certainly an interesting Masonic topic, and quite different from a book review!