Gifts for the curious

The popularity of Dan Brown’s latest novel, “The Lost Symbol,” has opened up the secretive world of the Freemasons to millions of readers. The ancient society and puzzling ciphers featured in the book have sparked interest in finding out more about both. Now, that interest can be fed with two books in the popular “For Dummies” series.

“The Masons are the largest, oldest and most legendary fraternal organization in the world,” says “Freemasons For Dummies” author Christopher Hodapp, a 32nd degree Mason, Past Master, and a member of the Knights Templar. “They use the symbols and vocabulary of the medieval stonemasons to teach modern philosophical lessons to their members.”

There are about 3 million Freemasons in the world, and 1.5 million in the United States. Masonic lodges can be found in most communities. In the U.S., they are plainly marked, but their ceremonies and rituals are conducted privately, behind closed doors. Masonic secrecy is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the fraternity, says Hodapp. “Secrecy is a demonstration of honor in the lodge, a symbol of being able to keep your word. If a man can’t be trusted to keep something as insignificant as a password or handshake a secret, his word can’t very well be trusted with the important things in life.”

Hodapp’s book gives an overview of the historic society of the Freemasons. It addresses when and why the society was founded, the elaborate rituals, cryptic rights and veiled symbols (the number three, the square and compass, etc.) of Freemasonry throughout the centuries. The book also addresses the various conspiracy theories put forth in the past, explores the many artists, politicians, and leaders who were and currently are members, and covers how the organization impacts our society today.

Besides fast-paced action, Brown’s principal trademark is his fascination with puzzles, codes and cryptic symbols, and “The Lost Symbol” has no shortage of them. Mathematical magic squares, secret writing codes and word games all play a part in the plot. Fans will find these types of mind-challenging games in “Cracking Codes & Cryptograms For Dummies(r),” by syndicated puzzle author Denise Sutherland and Mark Koltko-Rivera, PhD, a 32nd degree Mason and freemason expert.

Cryptograms are word puzzles that involve phrases and text. Famous quotations or secret messages can be hidden in the puzzles. Frequently used are substitution ciphers (codes) where each letter is replaced by a different letter or number.

With over 350 different puzzles of varying skill levels from the simplest substitution puzzles to fiendishly difficult ciphers, “Cracking Codes & Cryptograms For Dummies” provides an introduction to the use and function of codes and cryptograms in the world of secret societies as well as their connections to conspiracy theories.

Mystery and conspiracy lovers, puzzle fans and curious-minded readers will all enjoy delving into these books from Wiley Publishing, Inc. Find out more at dummies.com and wiley.com.

Courtesy of Family Features. Source: Wiley Publishing