A French Freemason writes about Freemasonry in America. Touchy!
As you may know, Freemasony in France and America developed along very different lines. America became more and more conservative and religious and France progressive and secular. This has led to continuing clashes up until today.
The author of this book is a French Freemason who spent much time in the USA for work. All that time he was active both in French and American Freemasonry and in this book he gives his views on the history, present and future of American Freemasonry in particular and Freemasonry in general.
In the early days, American Freemasonry owes a lot to France. Famous Freemasons such as Benjamin Franklin and Marquis de Lafayette were initiated in France. They are honoured on both sides of Atlantic. What was to become of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite reached the USA from France. Still, this shared history does not really soften the relations.
In the present book you can read about early Freemasonry in America, black Freemasonry, charity, the women-question, how relations with French Freemasonry keep changing, membership numbers, etc.
The perspective is obviously French and even though De Keghel has valid points frequently, I am not sure if this will convince American Freemasons that these are two branches of the same tree. De Keghel describes places where the two branches meet and has suggestions for further cooperation, which does not involve recognition per se.
“American Freemasonry” gives an interesting insight in how wide the subject of Freemasonry is, but it is not like you will learn anything about the development of the Duncan ritual for example. It is more a social (/French?) approach to the subject.
2017 Inner Traditions, isbn 1620556057
