Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C.
PO Box 70, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044–0070
Book Reviews Editor, The Scottish Rite Journal

Seldom do I recommend fiction in these pages. But throughout the history of civilization, writers have chosen to express great truths in fiction. And so, this month, here are two works, one new, one old—both very much worth reading.

Voices in the Wilderness by Aubrey Richardson, 21st Century Press, November, 1999. 288 pages, softbound. Cost $10.95 plus $2.00 s&h. Order from the Internet or from the author, PO Box 122542, Ft. Worth, Texas 76121.

I've been waiting for someone to set a novel among the people and community which produced the Dead Sea Scrolls, and our Brother Aubrey Richardson has done it in spades. By profession he is an engineer with Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems. But he spent seven years in Israel, and he devoted his off hours to a study of the Essenes and their community. That research bore fruit in the book. You feel as if you know and understand these people, because Brother Richardson does. It's a hard book to put down and you learn, painlessly, a great deal in the process. I've given copies to my Masonic friends. The Essenes play an important role in Scottish Rite Masonry, of course, and this book does a fine job of bringing them to life in novel form, far more sharply than would be possible in any other format. You'll like this book.

For some background on the Essenes, see the chapter titled "The Essenes, Ascetics of the Desert" (pp. 178–189) in Pillars of Wisdom, The Writings of Albert Pike by Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, G.C. This fine book also has 22 other fascinating chapters, each relevant to a key aspect of Grand Commander Pike's philosophy or the development of the Scottish Rite. It is available from the Supreme Council for $10.00 softbound and $15.00 hardbound. Make checks payable to The Supreme Council, 33°, and mail to: Grand Executive Director, The Supreme Council, 33°, 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Or call 1–202–232–3579, Ext. 36. Or fax to 1–202–387–1843. NOTE: when calling or faxing, there is a $25.00 minimum order, and only VISA or MasterCard can be accepted. Request a free publications list. You will find many books and other items at, like this book, a very reasonable price.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. $5.00, softbound, from Amazon.com.

It's been slightly more than 20 years since this remarkable book first saw the light of day and sailed to the best-seller's list. It is the story of a sea gull who begins to realize that perfection—perfect flight, in this case—is possible. It is a story of transformation and hope and the struggle for self-realization. In many ways, it's like a short course in Freemasonry in addition to being one of the books everyone should read.

Or, if you prefer, there is a video adaptation. A movie made from the book includes some breath-taking photography and an excellent Neil Diamond score. The video is available from www.amazon.com for $25.00. It isn't an adequate substitute for reading the book (no film ever is), but if you have not read the book, the movie is a very good introduction. Also, having the movie makes the book even richer.

Jim Tresner is Director of the Masonic Leadership Institute and Editor of The Oklahoma Mason. A frequent contributor to the Scottish Rite Journal and its book review editor, Illustrious Brother Tresner is also a volunteer writer for The Oklahoma Scottish Rite Mason and a video script consultant for the National Masonic Renewal Committee. He is the Director of the Thirty-third Degree Conferral Team and Director of Work at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as well as a life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, author of the popular anecdotal biography Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument, and a member of the steering committee of the Masonic Information Center. Ill. Tresner was awarded the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite's highest honor, during the Supreme Council's October 1997 Biennial Session.