The Builder: A Journal for The Masonic Student [9 Volumes] by Joseph Fort Newton

The Builder: A Journal for the Masonic Student Edited by Joseph Fort Newton

Publication: 1915-1923 National Masonic Research Society 

This rare set includes the first nine volumes (1915-1923) of the notable Masonic periodical “The Builder,” published by The National Masonic  Research Society, with all the original issues bound in, along with the original index to each volume. The periodical was published monthly, making it exceptionally rare to encounter a concurrent set of original issues from the first eight years of its publication. These early issues are particularly significant because they were published during the time when the notable Masonic writer Joseph Fort Newton served as Editor-in-Chief, from its inception in 1915 until 1922, when Harry LeRoy Hayward took over as Chief Editor. However, Newton continued to work as an associate editor for several years afterward.During this same period, Newton released what would become a Masonic classic, "The Builders: A Story of Freemasonry," which is still regarded as one of the best books on the topic of Masonry.

Featuring numerous articles by Newton, along with contributions from notable Masonic and esoteric writers of the time, including R.F. Gould, A.E. Waite, F.S. Oliver, Frank C. Higgins, H.L. Haywood, Edwin Markham, H.E. Andrews, Joseph Barnett, and William A. Paine. It also includes a multipart article by Arthur Edward Waite titled “Some Deeper Aspects of Masonic Symbolism,” as well "Notes on Origin of Co-Masonry."  Frank C. Higgins also contributed significantly with articles such as “The Use and Symbolism of Color in Masonry.”

The periodical explores a wide range of subjects from Masonic symbolism and Masonic rites to democracy, secret societies, architecture, alchemy, Buddhism, the Knights Templar, Shakespeare, the prophecies of Victor Hugo, King Solomon's Temple, ancient Egypt, the Incas, Atlantis, and Lemuria, mysticism, and the relationship between the Bible and Masonry.

Additionally, the issues are enriched with poems, quotations, and articles by prominent individuals, including George Washington, Rudyard Kipling, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walburge Johnson, Henry Van Dyke, and James Whitcomb Riley, with many references to Albert Pike.

Published during World War I, the periodical also contains various political and wartime articles that offer a fascinating perspective on the era.

Condition: publishers half leather biding,  early inscription "presented by "William Parker Filmer 10/25/1930" to multiple volumes, japanese paper repair to joint of several volumes- professionally done, modern bookplate to each volume, corners a few of the volumes are exposed, all volumes tightly bound, clean copies, in Very Good condition