Ritual , Secrecy , and Civil Society
Foreword
W e are delighted to present the first issue of “ Ritual , Secrecy , and Civil Society ”. This review pays tribute to the dynamism of Masonic studies around the world . It aims , in particular , to make translations of important foreignlanguage articles available to the English public .
Although the origins of modern Freemasonry are undeniably British , continental Europe very quickly came to play a crucial role . The “ Craft ” may well have Scottish , Irish and English roots , but the high degrees , which are a very important phenomenon in the history of Freemasonry , are above all of French and German origin . Researchers must therefore study several cultures and work in several languages . Our review aspires to help them meet this challenge .
The international dimension is fundamental in the history of Freemasonry . From the 18 th century , there was constant exchange between British , American and European Freemasonry . The history of lodges and their role in society cannot be studied without taking into account such reciprocal cross-influences . To cite just one example , in the 19 th century , the great American mason Albert Pike , who spoke several languages , was heavily influenced by various French Masonic works .
Another important point , clearly illustrated in this first issue , is the extent to which the study of Freemasonry interacts with various fields of history . Thus , Pierre- François Pinaud describes the importance of lodges in the organisation of music and the integration of foreign artists in Enlightenment Paris . Similarly , Françoise Moreillon ’ s study concerning a mixed lodge that was led by a woman in around 1760 , contributes greatly to gender studies . Finally , the two articles on paramasonic ceremonies in France and the United States are of interest for religious anthropology . Our review will therefore be a useful resource not only for those studying freemasonry , but also for historians in general .
Diverse sources , diverse cultures , diverse subjects . Here is where all the difficulty – but also all the interest - of Masonic history lies .
Pierre Mollier Editor-in-Chief
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