{"product_id":"the-1723-constitutions-of-the-free-masons-a-photographic-facsimile","title":"The 1723 Constitutions of the Free-Masons: A photographic facsimile","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBy The United Grand Lodge of England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThree Hundred Years Ago...\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn the year 1723 a book was published that laid out the principles and aims of English Freemasonry. Ideas that included social equality, religious tolerance, self-improvement, reward and advancement for merit, charity and goodwill to all. These ideas were radical and challenging in a time characterised by religious conflict and when birth and wealth determined success and often even survival. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis fascinating and beautiful book also provided a framework for Freemasonry, a rulebook that would be emulated by many other secular clubs and societies in Britain and around the world. Masonic practices introduced in the 1723 Constitutions include the election of officers subject to democratic accountability, with one member wielding one vote; majority rule; orations by elected officials; national governance; and written constitutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIntroduced by a beautiful symbolic frontispiece, this work was not just practical, but also inspirational, containing a traditional history of Freemasonry and many Masonic songs. Rich with Masonic insight and symbolism, there is as much to be found in this work for modern Freemasons as there was the day it was published.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis special edition contains high quality photographs of one of the first edition copies of the Constitutions of the Free-Masons, printed in London in 1723. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe cover border and central design have been carefully reproduced from the original copies in the archives of the Museum of Freemasonry held at the United Grand Lodge of England.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eForeword by the Metropolitan Grand Master Sir Michael Snyder\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eComplete photographic facsimile of the original copy owned by the Duke of Richmond, who was appointed Grand Master in 1724\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTranslation of James Andersons handwritten inscription\/dedication in Latin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAn insightful historical introduction by Librarian Martin Cherry of the Museum of Freemasonry, London\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGold embossed cover reminiscent of the original\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBeautiful endpapers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003eAll royalties go to supporting the work of the Museum of Freemasonry, London.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLimited Edition - only 1,000 copies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eHardback: 142 pages\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lewis Masonic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56386703524225,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0192\/1843\/2064\/files\/dsc00191_dxo_b811e0442c.jpg?v=1791590495","url":"https:\/\/ravenmasonicbooks.co.uk\/products\/the-1723-constitutions-of-the-free-masons-a-photographic-facsimile","provider":"Raven Masonic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}