Duncan’s Masonic Ritual is a superb guide to the historic rituals and practices of the Freemason societies, for the initiation of new members and the ceremonies of the Masonic lodges.

First published in 1866, this book arranges the Freemason customs according to the rank of the member they involve. Beginning with the initiate ranking, known as the ‘Entered Apprentice’, we are told the dialogue which must take place between the newcomer and the existing members. The arrangement of people in the Masonic building, and the various gestures and signals each must give to one another, are shown in detailed diagrams. The tiers of Master each involve new symbolic gestures and rituals, intended to signify the member’s depth of understanding and loyalty to the society.

The formal operations of a Masonic society require a variety of meetings and orders of business to take place sequentially. These arrangements are accompanied by a range of handshakes, gestures between members, and even a series of tools that must be held by a certain Mason, or handed from one ranking member to another.

Since this book is concerned entirely with the ceremonial traditions of Freemasonry, the social and informal aspects of membership, whereby members hold discussions or organize participation in local events, are scarcely mentioned. The notes included in the appendix and at the end of each part discuss the origins, regional variations in the traditions, and related miscellany.