Freemasonry is an ancient secret society shrouded in obscurity. Fascination with the mysteries of the Masons reached a fevered pitch after the release of Dan Brown’s novels *Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code,* and *The Lost Symbol.* But these novels and their related movies raised more questions than they answered. * * The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Freemasonry, S **econd Edition,** fills readers in on the truths behind the mysteries. In it, readers get: – A fact-filled overview of the birth and beginnings of Freemasonry, including its relationship to the Knights Templar and Egypt. – Fascinating facts about famous Masons. – An explanation of the various Masonic organizations, such as the York and Scottish rites, and the Shriners. – A behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on in a Masonic lodge, including initiations. – A new walking tour of Washington, DC, pointing out the hidden Masonic symbols featured in *The Lost Symbol.* – Scripts for Masonic rituals, giving a flavor of the language used in such ceremonies. – A field guide to Masonic symbols and regalia, with photos and explanations of significance. – The history behind Masonic philanthropic efforts and youth groups. – A history of African-American Freemasonry and the role of women in Masonic organizations.