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Review
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The Hiram Key.
The Hiram Key. Pharaohs, Freemasons and the Discovery of the Secret Scrolls of Jesus. By Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas. Published by Century (1997) Hardback £17.99 ISBN: 0-7126-8579-0
[ Reviewed in the Grand Lodge of Scotland Year Book (1997) ]
Any work which will stimulate debate as to the history and origins of Freemasonry is to be welcomed. The authors, Brothers Knight and Lomas (both members of the English Craft) have weaved a fascinating tale spanning over 3,500 years of human experience. Rather than submit their work to a Lodge of Research or a non-Masonic history journal, the fruits of their labours were published commercially, their findings made available therefore to the general public.
Much contained within the book stands accepted wisdom 'on its head' and it is most unfortunate therefore that there is no Bibliography from which readers might consider the authors sources. It also deprives the reader of a useful list of 'further reading'.
The enduring and romantic belief that the origins of Freemasonry are linked with the demise of the Knights Templar is given a new twist. The range of material, and its ingenious interpretation, ensures that the authors have delivered a 'right good read'. Perhaps a revision, or a sequel, would go some way to answering some the questions the authors themselves raise.
(Note: A second book, by the same authors entitled: The Second Messiah, has been published and is reviewed below).
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