A System of Speculative Masonry, in its Origin, Patronage, Dissemination, Principles, Duties, and Ultimate Designs, Laid Open for the Examination of the Serious and Candid: Being a Course of Lectures, Exhibited Before the Grand Chapter of the State of New-York at their Annual Meetings, Held in Temple Chapter Room, in the City of Albany. By Salem Town and printed in Salem, New York by Dodd and Stevenson. 1818, 283 pp, 6.75” x 4.75”, 8vo, hardcover full leather.
As-is, with front board and first end page detached, with rear board also almost completely severed. Rubbing and loss to leather on boards and spine. Remainder of text block remains bound well with minor wear. Inscribed by previous owners at front, along with a bookplate affixed to the front pastedown. Assorted staining to some pages. General age-related toning to pages, along with periodic foxing and wear. Please see photographs and ask any questions prior to purchasing.
An extremely scarce piece designed to explain Freemasonry and its practices and background to the American public, at a time when public knowledge of the organization was extremely limited and speculative. A great candidate for restoration.
COLU1818CHKX - 0224-aj0341
FORN-TUB-0066-BB-2502-HKREV501