Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C.

I am enjoying this writer's style as well as the history. Many family members were members of the Masonic Lodges in Illinois. Have visited the lodge in Washington, DC as a child and remember it. I wish this book was an audible book because I like to listen to books while cleaning and doing mindless house chores. I am using this and several other books about the Masons to prepare a report for a ladies' society in early 2022. I decided it would be nice to put their minds at ease about some of the rumors about who and what the Masonic lodge is and what it has done to help form and build our country.

Bro. Hodapp does a great job at writing in an easy to get into, easy to follow, easy to love way that doesn't leave your brain checking out while your eyes mindlessly scan the pages. The information delivered in this book is as well-researched as it can be and (at least the kindle version) cites sources where available.While I cringed heavily at the first few pages, it's honestly all information that has been publicly available nearly as long as it has existed, I found rest of the text informative. While most of it was a refresher, some of it was new to me such as an anti-Masonic climate when Bro. Franklin was younger (something I need to look into more out of personal curiosity).For me this text was a fairly quick read and absolutely worth every cent. Both Brothers and non-Masons will find it to be worth their time and money!

I really enjoyed this book. I've been reading Chris Hodapp's works for a while now and enjoy his style. He adds enough detail needed to make his points grounded in context, but it is not nearly as detailed or entrenched in volumes of history like Born In Blood.He covers the founding of Freemasonry in the USA, as well as the Masonic influences (and addressing of some conspiracies) in the framing of the US government and establishment of the Capitol City, Washington DC.This book is not a difficult read, and easily digested.It can serve as a good starting point for historians and Masons interested in the origin of The Craft in the USA as well.Well done!

It was very informative.

Without question this book is sure to become a classic for Freemasons or those interested in Freemasonry. Incredibly well written based on extensive research and with a detailed bibliography to support the thesis. RWB Hodapp unfolds a tale that spans centuries of politics and characters in a smooth narrative that keeps the reader turning each page anxious to find out 'what happened next'.Solomon's Builders covers the history and influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States and links the institution firmly within the enlightenment ideals that were spreading like wildfire around the globe; largely spread through Masonic lodges dispensing their own form of democracy and equality in every land.This book is being marketed in hopes of taking advantage of the hype that will likely surround Dan Brown's next book 'Solomon's Key'. I can only encourage every person who reads Browns next work of fiction to turn to RWB Hodapp's well documented non-fiction presentation of the real story behind the myth.

This is an excellent book written by someone who knows what he is talking about. Christopher Hodapp does a very good job casting light on the Founding Fathers' Masonic connections. If you are interested in U.S. history, this is an excellent read.Hodapp fairly and accurately discusses the history of Freemasonry in America, the lives of many important early American Freemasons, and the building of our nation. He also does a good job breaking down many misconceptions about Masonry, both pro and anti. Hodapp cuts through much of the romanticism and lays out documented facts. The illustrations in the book make it that much better.I consider this one of the top books ever written about Freemasonry in Colonial America.

This book provides a nice overall review of the early founding of the United States from the biased perspective of a Freemason member, identifying those historical figures who were Masons and providing a context for which Freemasonry was intertwined with at least some of our early American history. This book is by the same author of Freemasonry for Dummies - Christopher Hodapp - so if you're looking to explore a bit of what Freemasonry is all about, no need to repeat my mistake & purchase both books. The author's pro-Freemasonry bias is, at times, a bit annoying and its a shame that the editors didn't reign in the personal bias a bit more, but then again, Freemasonry is one of those things that it is difficult to find someone informed who is also not biased either way. All-in-all its a good read and gives the reader a good, overall perspective of the history and public-face aspects of this "secret society". The author repeatedly states that the Masons are not a secret society and yet also emphasizes the sworn oath to protect the society's secrets or risk death, leaving the reader to really wonder just how truthful the author is being throughout the book. Overall, it provides a counter-balance to the so-called Dan Brown syndrome of Masons-as-devil-incarnates. One note of caution: my copy of the book is missing pages 85-132 and has pages 132-180 duplicated, so it is possible I am missing some critical "facts", so check your copy of the book immediately upon receiving to see if the QA problems of the publisher have been resolved in your copy.

Interesting book about freemasons and Washington

I suggest you purchase this book and read it before visiting Washington DC and then carry it with you as you tour/visit the city.I wish I had known of the book before travelling there for a day (arrived Tuesday, departed Thursday)on business - it would have thrown a new light on my travels around town. It seems I have journeyed from Franklin's house near Charing Cross, London, UK to Washington. I am still re-reading and re-reading the book. I had to visit the Capitol Library and the building has much in it of Freemasonary. Study the Square and Compass in the streets around the Mall, Capitol and White House and along with Louisiana and Washington Avenues. It also describes how Prince Hall brought Freemasonry to the free black men of Boston. The Eastern Star is mentioned - that's for female to participate.Great book. Great value.

Very interesting book.

Was a good book. Seemed to be written in a balanced way.

My god loves this!