Masonic Authors' Guild International

Listen to the beginning of A.G. Markham's Inaugural paper in Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, London in 1996, publish in AQC v. 110, 1997. Read by MAGI Robert L.D. Cooper, PM QC 2076

“This paper consists of comment on some of the problems arising in the history of English craft Masonry in the period ending with the Union of the Grand Lodges in 1813. The notes and appendices to the printed version of the paper explain generalisations and include important further points which time does not allow to be included in this present spoken narrative. I continue next with a brief survey of familiar ground as preparation for what is said later.

In the 1600s Freemasonry was restricted to the British Isles and was a private matter, rarely recorded in writing; least of all in Ireland, and less so in England than in Scotland. This is a major problem; and it is surprising that we know as much as we do about English Masonry of the 1600s. It is possible to see the existence of a remarkable brotherhood of non-operative  Mason, based on well recognised custom (including, notably, secret modes of recognition and those curious archaic documents the Old Charges), spread more or less all over the nation, crossing class boundaries in a very class conscious age: harmoniously and convivially uniting men, including, I would accept, those of differing political persuasions and practising mutual charity. But this evidence is limited in detail and does not extend to dispelling the mystery of its origins, a mystery, which, though since to some extent cherished by masons, has also lent itself to Misinterpretation by writers, both masonic and anti-masonic”

Listen to the supporting Appendices of A.G. Markham's in for Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, London in 1996. Published in AQC v. 110, 1997. Read by MAGI Robert L.D. Cooper, PM QC 2076

APPENDIX I: THE MASON WORD

APPENDIX II: SOME RECENT PRECONCEIVED THEORIES OF ORIGIN

In this inaugural Episode of THE WIDE MASONIC WORLD - Join hosts Robert Cooper and Mark Tabbert for the FIRST SIX MINUTES of a captivating discussion historical intricacies of Freemasonry's secrecy, with special guest, Professor John Dickie, author of the acclaimed book "The Craft: How Freemasons Made the Modern World." Winner of MAGI's highly coveted Seal of Approval!

Dr. John Dickie is Professor of Italian Studies at University College London. He is an internationally recognized specialist on many aspects of Italian history and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Born in Dundee in 1963, John was brought up in Leicestershire and educated at Loughborough Grammar School. He won a place at Pembroke College, Oxford, graduating in 1986 with a First in Modern Languages. He subsequently gained an MA and a DPhil at Sussex University. Since 1993 he has taught at UCL.

John has reached a multi-national television audience with a number of documentaries he has co-written and presented, including the six-part history of Italian food, De gustibus, which was based on his book Delizia! published in 2010. His other area of research is the Italian organized crime or the Cosa Nostra He publish “Blood Brothers: A History of Italy’s Three Mafias” in 2011 and “Mafia Republic” in 2014

In 2005 the President of the Italian Republic appointed him a Commendatore dell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana.

In this episodes DIckie, Cooper and Tabbert discuss such passages from The Craft as "Freemasonry's 'inviolate Secrecy' is elusive and powerful. It is the engine of the fascination and suspicion that has always surrounded the Freemasons. It attracts loyalty and trouble."

and

"Freemasonry is often referred to as a ‘secret society’ and clearly this is inaccurate as we are here, now talking about that society! Why do you think that all sections of society from the media, politicians, religious leaders and others use the word secret in this way?"

Learn more: https://johndickie.net/

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Dive into a fascinating and often-overlooked chapter of American history in this episode of MAGI - Long Papers. Host Mark Tabbert guides listeners through Tony Fels' groundbreaking research on how Jews and Protestants found common ground within the Masonic lodges of booming, multicultural San Francisco during the Gilded Age.

Discover how Freemasonry served as a bridge between immigrant Jewish communities and established Protestant society, offering both camaraderie and a uniquely American pathway to assimilation. Mark explores the push and pull of religious identities, the allure of fraternal organizations, and the reasons why Jewish participation in San Francisco’s Masonic lodges was both significant and distinctive compared to other social clubs of the era.

We’ll unpack the ways shared values—like rationalism, universalism, and ritual—overcame social and religious divides, leading to unexpected alliances and shaping the city’s social landscape. You’ll also hear illuminating stories of individual Masons, the internal dynamics of different lodges, and honest discussions about the limits of inclusion amid persistent antisemitism.

If you’re curious about American religious history, the role of fraternal organizations in cultural assimilation, or the vibrant, sometimes turbulent world of 19th-century San Francisco, this episode is not to be missed. Join us for an engaging journey through the intersections of faith, class, and identity in a city unlike any other.

Listen to this entire episode & support more content like this and subscribe to MAGI at patreon.com/MAGIAcademics.

Dive into the rich and complex world of early Freemasonry with hosts Mark Tabbert and Robert Cooper in this episode of MAGI: Book Reviews. Together, they explore “Exploring Early Grand Lodge Freemasonry: Studies in Honor of the Tricentennial of the Establishment of the Grand Lodge of England.” Edited by Christopher Murphy and Sean Eyre, this substantial volume features nine unique essays from leading Masonic scholars.

Mark and Robert break down the book's high points, from deep dives into James Anderson’s Constitutions and the origins of Masonic traditions, to fascinating explorations of music, myth, and the personalities who helped shape Freemasonry’s early years. Special attention is given to a standout essay on John Desaguliers, connecting science, religion, and Freemasonry in 18th-century England.

You’ll get thoughtful critiques about the book’s structure, approach, and scholarly contributions, including candid takes on its strengths and quirks. Whether you’re a dedicated Freemason, a history buff, or simply curious about the mysterious fraternity, this episode offers both insight and honest opinions on a landmark academic collection. Tune in for rigorous analysis—and find out if this book earns MAGI’s coveted Seal of Approval!

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Is Freemasonry more of a business or a fraternity—or is it both? In this thought-provoking episode of MAGI Circle, hosts Chris Ruli, Mark Tabbert, and Robert Cooper are joined by special guest Dr. Heather K. Calloway (Director of Collections at Indiana University) to tackle this enduring question.

Together, they explore the fascinating intersection between Freemasonry’s fraternal traditions and its surprising historical ties to business and industry. From the origins of regalia manufacturing to the rise of the “Masonic industrial complex,” you'll learn how economic forces, competition, and mass production shaped the development of lodges and fraternal organizations on both sides of the Atlantic.

The conversation dives deep into how business needs—from minute books and administrative bureaucracy to insurance policies and philanthropic initiatives like the Shriners Hospitals—transformed Freemasonry throughout history. Hear stories of cottage industries stitching aprons, the impact of standardization and industrialization, and how needs like widows’ benefits spurred the rise of fraternal insurance.

With personal anecdotes, expert insights, and a bit of humor, this episode pulls back the curtain on the delicate balance between camaraderie and commerce that still shapes Freemasonry today. Whether you’re a Mason, a historian, or just curious about secret societies, you’ll find plenty to think about in this lively discussion!

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Have you ever wondered about the origins of mysterious words used in Freemasonry? In this episode of Cooper on the Case, host Robert Cooper dives deep into the intriguing history of the term “Cowan”—a word that appears in Masonic ritual as a warning, yet traces back to everyday Scottish life, surnames, and the world of stonemasons.

Join Robert as he explores references from Dr. George F. Black’s Surnames of Scotland, unpacks centuries-old statutes, and scours historical accounts to reveal how “Cowan” made the leap from a common surname and rural occupation to a loaded term inside Masonic lodges. Discover why Masons were cautioned NEVER to work with Cowans, the social and occupational divisions behind it, and how this single word offers a fascinating window into the evolution of modern Freemasonry.

Whether you’re a Mason, a history buff, or just curious about secret societies and Scottish traditions, this episode serves up captivating insights and untold stories. Tune in and let Robert Cooper take you on a detective’s journey to uncover the true meaning—and mystery—of Cowan.

Listen to this entire episode & support more content like this by subscribing to MAGI at patreon.com/MAGIAcademics.

Step into the world of legend and history with “MAGI - Long Papers: The Knights Templar in Scotland and the Creation of a Myth - Part 5.” In this captivating episode, host Robert Cooper unravels the intricate tapestry that connects the medieval Knights Templar with Scottish Freemasonry—a myth that has persisted for centuries.

Join them as they delve into provocative claims made in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by controversial figures like Abbé Augustin Barruel and John Robison, who argued that Freemasonry was the shadowy descendant of the outlawed Templars. Discover how religious and political tensions, fueled by anti-Masonic writings and the growing allure of romanticized Scottish history, helped cement this myth in the public imagination and within the very heart of Scottish Freemasonry.

You’ll hear how the Grand Lodge of Scotland struggled to maintain its authority and traditions amid swirling rumors, legal crackdowns, and surging enthusiasm for chivalric ceremonies and secret societies. The episode journeys through the Romantic era, exploring the influence of Sir Walter Scott, royal patronage, and elaborate medieval pageantry on both national identity and the legend of the Templar-Masonic connection.

Whether you’re fascinated by secret societies, medieval history, or the power of myth in shaping culture, this episode provides a thoughtful, well-researched exploration of how a story can take on a life of its own—lasting hundreds of years and captivating generations.

Tune in for a deep dive filled with intrigue, historical drama, and the ongoing quest for origins at the mysterious crossroads of fact and fiction.

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In this episode of MAGI: MLMA & IU, host Glenn Visscher takes us on a transatlantic journey to Bayreuth, Germany, for a fascinating conversation with Thad Peterson, director of the Freimaurer Museum—Germany’s National Masonic Museum. Thad shares his unique path from the United States to his leadership role in one of Europe’s key Masonic repositories, offering insights into the world of Masonic collections, research, and museum operations.

Listeners will discover the history behind the museum’s remarkable collection—much of which was plundered during the 1930s—and how only a few precious artifacts have made their way back. Thad describes standout items in the museum, from 18th-century Masonic aprons and dioramas to a rare collection of firing glasses, and discusses what it’s really like to oversee a historical institution with limited resources.

The episode also delves into the challenges of running a small museum—navigating finances, cataloguing vast collections, and preserving Masonic history for future generations. Thad explains the museum’s mission to interpret and explain Freemasonry to the public, not just showcase artifacts, and shares how the institution is adapting for the future, including new digital projects and their ongoing efforts to engage young people.

Whether you’re a Masonic researcher, a museum enthusiast, or simply curious about hidden gems of European history, this episode offers a compelling look behind the scenes of one of Freemasonry’s most important cultural institutions. Tune in for a captivating discussion about heritage, history, and the passion that drives curators to keep these stories alive.

To listen to this entire episode & support more content like this, subscribe to MAGI at patreon.com/MAGIAcademics.

In this episode of MAGI: Book Reviews, hosts Robert Cooper and Mark Tabbert dive into the anthology "Freemasonry on Both Sides of the Atlantic: Essays concerning the Craft in the British Isles, Europe, United States, and Mexico," edited by R. William Weisberger, William Wallace, and S. Brent Morris. Together, they unpack this wide-ranging collection of scholarly essays that explore the evolution of Freemasonry from its origins as a guild of craftsmen to its modern role as a powerful, sometimes controversial, social institution.

Listeners will get an engaging, high-level overview of how the book traces Freemasonry’s historical development across the British Isles, continental Europe—including fascinating stops in Scotland, France, Italy, Hungary, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire—as well as its transformation in the United States and Mexico. The discussion highlights intriguing stories like the relationship between early Scottish lodges and music societies, the unique cross-cultural connections formed in Parisian and Viennese lodges, and Masonry’s complex roles in revolutionary America and 20th-century political reform in Mexico.

Robert and Mark critically assess both the strengths and shortcomings of the anthology—praising its rich, deep dives into national histories, while also touching on its missed opportunities for a more integrated, transnational analysis. Whether you’re a Freemason, a history buff, or just curious about the social forces shaping societies, this episode will pique your interest and leave you wanting to explore further. Tune in for a nuanced, scholarly, and highly accessible review of a landmark work on Freemasonry’s ever-evolving legacy.