Secret Societies, Ancient and Modern. An Outline of Their Rise, Progress, and Character with Respect to the Christian Religion and Republican Government

Stated at copyright: "Entered according to Act of Congresss in the year 1873 by Gen'l. J. W. Phelps in the office to the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C." Navy buckram (cloth) boards, sharp gilt spine titles with bands, light shelf wear. Attractive, durable re-bind. Pages generally very good; titles page with some discoloration. Small blue shield and crossed swords stamp, apparently for binder, inside back cover: "Aug. 1960." Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Rare fairly sharp original edition. John Wolcott Phelps born November 13, 1813 was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War, an author, an ardent abolitionist and a presidential candidate. Phelps also translated a related titles to this volume: Lucien de la Hodde's "The Cradle of Rebellions: A History of the Secret Societies of France." Phelps was the presidential candidate for the Anti-Masonic Party in 1880 with running mate Samuel C. Pomeroy of Kansas. The Phelps/Pomeroy ticket ran on the prohibition of alcoholic beverages, prohibition of all secret lodges, justice for Indians, and demanding the Bible be a required text in all educational institutions, etc. "Table of Contents. I. The Antiquity of Secret Societies; II. The Life of Julian; III. The Eleusinian Mysteries; IV. Origin of Masonry; V. Was Washington a Mason; VI. Fillmore's and Webster's deference to Masonry; VII. A brief outline of the progress of Masonry in the United States; VIII. The Tammany Ring; IX. The Credit Mobilier Ring; X. Masonic Benevolence; XI. The uses of Masonry; XII. An Illustration; XIII. The Conclusion." 240 pages. Insured post. Size: 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall.…