A Short Masonic History: With Some Account of the Higher Degrees - Vol. II

The definitive history of Masonry is yet be written. This is said with Brother Gould’s magnificent work in mind. To that there must already be added the results of later investigations. It will be needed, also, that one of a newer, even radical school, shall seek out some things hidden, shirked or ignored, before the history can be termed complete.
One looks with suspicion upon Masonic histories. The bookshelves are lumbered with trash, and the last state of one who reads therein, trustfully and uncritically, is worse than the first. It is therefore with a real pleasure that we note the modest little volume by Brother Frederick Armitage. Gould’s great work is for the student, and too many Masons will not give the time necessary, however great the reward. It was needed that a really concise history of the Craft should be prepared, which while giving the proven facts, should not ignore the spirit of Masonry. Brother Armitage has done his work well. The busy Mason can no longer have excuse that he lacks time and opportunity to acquaint himself with at least the main outlines of the story of the institution. As here told it make unusually interesting reading. When a majority of the members of our lodges shall possess themselves of the knowledge thus made easily available, there will accrue great and lasting benefit to the Craft, and the desire for further light in Masonry will follow. We commend this book most emphatically to our readers, as possessing the rare merit of truthfulness, while being concise and reasonable in price. The second volume is takes up the further degrees and rites that have been joined to the body of Masonry.
–The American Freemason, Volume 1, Issue 1 [1909]