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The History of Freemasonry – Mixed Edition Set (1889–1911)
Volumes II, III, and IV
By Robert Freke Gould, W. J. Hughan, A. F. A. Woodford, David Murray Lyon, Enoch T. Carson, Josiah H. Drummond, and T. S. Parvin
Published by John C. Yorston & Co., New York, Cincinnati, Chicago; later by The John C. Yorston Publishing Company, Philadelphia, London, Montreal
This handsome antique set brings together three early volumes from the Yorston editions of The History of Freemasonry, the most widely distributed American adaptation of Robert Freke Gould’s monumental history.
Beautifully bound in embossed dark brown leather with gilt Masonic emblems—the All-Seeing Eye, Square & Compasses, and crossed sword & trowel—each volume is richly illustrated and covers distinct portions of Masonic development, legend, and symbolism.
Contents Overview
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Volume II (1889): Early British and Scottish Masonry; the Craft’s spread through guild and cathedral traditions; early constitutions and manuscripts.
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Volume III (c. 1900): Evolution of continental and American Freemasonry; introduction of higher degrees and concordant orders.
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Volume IV (1911): Nineteenth-century revival of symbolic Masonry; formation of the Scottish Rite and Royal Arch systems; Masonic education and charity.
Volume II (1889): Early British and Scottish Masonry; the Craft’s spread through guild and cathedral traditions; early constitutions and manuscripts.
Volume III (c. 1900): Evolution of continental and American Freemasonry; introduction of higher degrees and concordant orders.
Volume IV (1911): Nineteenth-century revival of symbolic Masonry; formation of the Scottish Rite and Royal Arch systems; Masonic education and charity.
Physical Description
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Large quarto format (approx. 11 × 8 in.)
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Gilt-tooled titles and symbols on pebbled boards
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Dozens of engraved portraits and diagrams
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Mixed imprint dates from 1889 – 1911, typical of assembled sets sold by subscription
Large quarto format (approx. 11 × 8 in.)
Gilt-tooled titles and symbols on pebbled boards
Dozens of engraved portraits and diagrams
Mixed imprint dates from 1889 – 1911, typical of assembled sets sold by subscription
Condition
Bindings exhibit edge and corner wear with some spine separation (see images); gilt decorations remain bright; interiors generally clean with age toning.
Historical Significance
These Yorston editions represent the definitive American presentation of Gould’s work, merging British research with newly written essays by prominent U.S. Masonic scholars. They were among the most ambitious Masonic publications of the nineteenth century, and complete or partial sets remain prized by collectors.
