Traditionally, in the November book review column, we suggest some ideas for giving to Masonic friends—or to leave around, marked, as a not-so-subtle suggestion of a gift you would like for yourself. Happy Holidays!

First, two special magazines. I've recommended these before, but they are good enough to mention again.

Freemasonry Today is a beautiful magazine, published quarterly in England. One of the real treasurers of the Fraternity, it is heavily illustrated in color and contains articles on Masonic artifacts, contemporary issues facing Masonry, biographies, book reviews, and much more. I read my copy as soon as I get it. The magazine is not an official publication of the United Grand Lodge of England, but the profits from its sale are donated to Masonic charities. For ordering information, including subscription costs and a first rate preview of the magazine, visit their web site at www.freemasonrytoday.co.uk.

Biblical Archaeology Review is another great magazine. It has some of the best writing and finest photography I've ever encountered. New discoveries are made every day in the Holy Land. Much of Masonry's symbolism and several of our teaching legends come from the Biblical period, of course, making the information especially interesting to members of the Fraternity. Published six times a year, the magazine's subscription rate is $14.97 per year. Send name, address, and check or name, number and expiration date for a VISA or MasterCard to Biblical Archaeology Review, P.O. Box 7026, Red Oak, IA 51591–2026.

While we're speaking of nice gifts for the holidays, why not give yourself something that keeps on giving? Join the Scottish Rite Research Society! It's the best deal going as far as publications are concerned. For the $20 a year it costs to belong to the Society, you get Heredom, the annual transactions. This is a hardcover book and contains the best Masonic research published today (that, obviously, is an opinion, but it's an opinion in which many concur). Even better, spring for the $300 Life Membership. That way you will be sure not to miss a volume. Every Heredom is bound to become more valuable as time passes. By the way, you also get the Plumbline, the quarterly bulletin of the Society, and there is a bonus book each year for every new or current member. In 2000, it is Vested in Glory, The Regalia of the Scottish Rite, an exploration, with hundreds of color illustrations, of the Rite's Degrees. To join, please click here.

A good book for holiday giving is a delightful work titled I Just Didn't Know That by the Reverend Neville Barker Cryer.
Rev. Brother Cryer is one of the most admired Masonic authors in England. He writes with a clarity and ease which we can all envy, and he has produced a gem of a book. The chapters address questions about Masonry, which many of us have not even thought to ask, and the information is given in a crisp and lively style. The chapter "Walk Round Your Lodge Room," for instance, is a guided tour of a Lodge by an expert. I learned many things, and you probably will, too. Such chapters as "Where Did We Get Our Clothing?" or "Why Do We Say That?" hint at the information inside. This is a great book for your own library or to give as a gift to a Masonic friend. And, new Master Mason or old hand in the Craft, everyone can learn something from this book. I Just Didn't Know That is available from: Ian Allan/Lewis Masonic, 1999, softbound, 104 pages with illustrations, $15.00 + $5.00 s/h (approx.) from: Riverdene Business Park, Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4RG UK Note: Since dollar/pound sterling exchange rates vary daily, the costs stated here are approximate and purchase is by credit card only. Please mail signed requests to the address above and include credit card type and expiration date.

Heavier going, both in text and in price—but worth it—is the Millennial Cyclopedia of Scottish Rite Masonry by Norman D. Peterson, 32°, K.C.C.H., 500+ pages, hardbound. $79.00 (includes shipping). Order from Norman Peterson, 3660 NE, 133rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97230.

This is an excellent book, and one which belongs on the shelf of a serious Masonic student. There is information on the first three Degrees of the Scottish Rite, along with ample information on more than 2,000 subjects. Brother Peterson writes: "This volume is intended both for Masonic readers and as a resource for Masonic speakers. The Brethren will discover material that will enrich their understanding and enjoyment of Freemasonry. In examining this system of work, they will be struck by Masonic lore and oratory, filled with a breadth of dramatic beauty, practical wisdom and refreshing insights. Useful quotations of broad applicability are included." The price is high, but the book is more than worth it. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the Scottish Rite and Freemasonry.

Finally, it's no secret to anyone who reads this column that I'm a fan of the material published by the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSA). Convinced that they publish excellent information at very low prices, I usually include some of their materials in the "Stocking Stuffer" review. Recently, for instance, the MSA published The Craft's Noyse (Noyse is an archaic term for Music). It is an annotated listing of Masonic composers and lyricists. I worked up this 68-page digest, and Ill. Richard E. Fletcher, 33°, P.G.M. of Vermont and presently the Executive Secretary of the MSA, was kind enough to accept it for publication. He offers the following comment on The Craft's Noyse, which is available for $4.00 each + $1.50 s/h (postage discount applies when purchasing multiple copies). Order from: Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Telephone (301–588–4010) and fax (301–608–3457) orders are handled by invoice. Also, please check out www.msana.com for more information.

"Nearly every Brother knows that many famous composers, from Mozart to Irving Berlin, were Masons. Not until The Craft's Noyse, however, has there been a comprehensive listing, accompanied by informative comments on each composer or lyricist, of the thousands of Brethren over the past three centuries who have contributed to the rich musical heritage of Freemasonry and the world. Ill. Tresner's excellent new work fills this void and is sure to leave every reader, Mason or not, with a song in his heart and a renewed pride in an institution which has included and inspired so many men of musical genius."

Ill. Richard E. Fletcher, 33°

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.