Dr. Albert G. Mackey appears as author of this " Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and its Kindred Sciences," which, being a library in inself, superseded most of the Masonic works which have been tolerated by the craft — chiefly because none better could be obtained. Here is a work which fulfils the hope which sustained the author through ten years' literary labor, that, under one cover he "would furnish every Mason who might consult its pages the means of acquiring a knowledge of all matters connected with the science, the philosophy, and the history of his order." Up to the present time the modern literature of Freemasonry has been diffuse, lumbering, unreliable, and, out of all reasonable proportions. There is, in Mackey's "Encyclopaedia of Masonry," well digested, well arranged, and confined within reasonable limits, all that a Mason can desire to find in a book exclusively devoted to the history, the arts, science, and literature of Masonry. This is volume one out of four and covering the letters A to C.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1874.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1805 edition. Excerpt: ... that no man Myill dare to dispute that free-masons are superior to all other men, in concealing their secrets, from times immemorial: which the power of gold, that often has betrayed kings and princes, and sometimes overturned whole empires, nor the most cruel punishments could never extort that secret even, from. the weakest member of the whole fraternity. Therefore I humbly presume it will of consequence be granted, that the welfare and go(r)d of mankind was the cause or motive of so grand an institution as free-masonry no art yet ever being so extensively useful, which not only tends to protect its members from external injuries, but to polish the rusty dispositions of iniquitous minds, and also to detain them within the pleasant bounds of true religion, morality and virtue; for such are the precepts of this royal art, that if those who have the honour of being members thereof would but live according to the true principles of the ancient craft, every man that is endowed with the least spark of honour or honesty, must of course approve their actions, and consequently endeavour to follow their steps. And although very few or none of the brethren arrive to the sublimity and beautiful contrivance of Hiram Abif, yet the very enemies of Free-Masonry must own, that it is the most renowned society that ever was, is now, or perhaps ever will be upon earth. The following true description of the royal art, will clearly shew its great use to mankind. hail m;gh!y art! gracious gift of heaven, To aid mankind, b/ our creator given: It was you alone that gave the ark its form, Which sav'd the faithful from impending storm; When sinful Cowans were grov'ling in the ide The Mason's ark triumphantly did ride, O'er mighty waves, nor car'd they where.

This edition is not substantially different to the third edition. In this edition we learn that proceeds for its sale are to be given to the charitable fund "for the relief of indigent Freemasons."