The Constitution of Free-Masonry; or, Ahiman Rezon

[Laurence Dermott]

Published by Brother C. Downes, Dublin, 1817

About this Item

A good edition of Laurence Dermott's influential and important Freemason work 'Ahiman Rezon', from the library of the Lodge of Harmony. With a half-title. Lodge of Harmony Library label to the front pastedown, presented by Brother G. F. Lancaster. Lodge of Harmony library label to the tail of the spine. The Fareham Lodge of Harmony was founded in 1796, under charter from the Ancients Grand Lodge. In gilt to the front board 'Independent Lodge No 55. Kingston. Edward Eurton Master. Thomas Jeyes, James Duncan, Wardens, 24th June 1818'. Prior owner's ink inscription to the verso to the front endpaper, 'Mr Da Costa, late at Harty's Store, Harbour Street Kingston'. This work is a constitution for the Ancient Grand Lodge of England, which was formed in 1751. This formation brought together the lodges and Masons who believed themselves to be of an older Masonic tradition, moving away and not allying themselves with the 1717 Moderns Grand Lodge. The Ancient Grand Lodge of England was dissolved in 1813. The work was written against the Modern Freemasons, at a time when the Ancients wanted to retain Freemasonry at its purist holy form, and the Modernists wanted to change Masonry and wished to remove the old ways. The title refers to the biblical Ahiman and Rezon, likening the Ancients to Ahiman, and the Rezon also as the rivals to the Modernist movement. Written by Laurence Dermott, an Irish Freemason who was the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 26 in Dublin, and the Grand Secretary of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England. Dermott is best known for this work, which was originally published in 1756. In a full calf binding. Externally, the front board is detached but present. Loss to part of the spine. A little bumping to the head and tail of the extremities. Rear hinge is starting but firm. Lodge of Harmony library label to the tail of the spine. Lodge of Harmony Library label to the front pastedown. Prior owner's ink inscription to the verso to the front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned with the occasional spot and mark. Ink marks to the occasional page. Good Only. Seller Inventory # 676P29

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Constitution of Free-Masonry; or, Ahiman...

Publisher: Brother C. Downes, Dublin

Publication Date: 1817

Binding: Leather

Illustrator: None

Condition: Good Only

Book Type: book