Egypt - The Cradle of Ancient Masonry

Philadelphia, PA: Lincoln Publishing Co., 1902. Book. Fair. Hardcover. First Edition. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. [20], 644 pages. Index. Twenty-six black and white photographic plates. Leather binding. "Comprising a history of Egypt, with a comprehensive and authentic account of the antiquity of masonry resulting from many years of personal investigation and exhaustive research in India, Persia, Syria and the Valley of the Nile." - title page. After first receiving the Light in India, the author was moved to "investigate, to the fullest extent, the meaning and purport of the numerous hieroglyphic inscriptions, symbols and characters found upon the ancient tombs and temples, so that the Masonic Fraternity might understand, appreciate and apply the teachings of the hierophants and sages of bygone days." - Preface. Chapters: Alexandria - the Antiquity of Masonry; Ruined Temples - Masonry and Masonic Symbols; Ancient Cities - Soirian Myth - Karma; the Nile - Origin of the Name Free Mason - Scottish Rite Philosophy; Ancient Mysteries - Scottish Rite philosophy; Suez Canal - The Druses, Their Manners and Customs; Agriculture - Irrigation - Lotus - Papyrus; The Supreme Architect of the Universe; Mosques - Tombs - Massacre of Mamelukes - Heliopolis; Esoteric Teaching of the Scottish Rite - Brain and Thought; Pyramids - Sphinx - Tombs; Solomon - Death of Hiram - Cross - Swastica; Mummification - Transmigration - Re-incarnation; Sixteen Saviours - Lost Knowledge; The Golden Fleece - Roman Eagle - Masonic Apron - What it Teaches; Pyramids of Sakkarah - Lisht - Medum - The Fayum - Labyrinth; Sun Worship - Zodiac - Masonic Allegories; A Voyage up the Nile - Description of Tombs and Temples - Pro Doric Columns; Ineffable degrees - Thoughts on Ecclesiastes - I.N.R.I. - Voyaging up the Nile - examining Tombs and Temples - Paintings - Sculptures; Masonic teachings - Hindu beggar - Roman Catholicism; Thebes - Colossi - Der-El-Bahari - Luxor - Karnak; Ceremonies - Initiation - Blue Lodge - Transmigration - Mystery Language; The Gawazee - exploring Temples and tombs - Philae and its ruins - Nubia; Jewish Traditions and customs - Cable tow - Ceremonies of ancient Initiation - book of the Law; Circumsision - upon what the Ancient Craftsmen were obligated - the lost word. All edges gilt. Protected frontis portrait of author. Ornately embossed boards. Raised bands to spine. Partially rubbed gilt lettering and decoration upon back strip. Marbled endpapers. Hinges intact internally, open or opening externally. Front board partially detached. Somewhat above-average wear to boards. Unmarked. A worthy original copy of this monumental work. 12" x 9.5" x 2.5". 11 pounds..