The History of Freemasonry from Its Origin to the Present Time. Volume I

How many years has Freemasonry existed?
Some believe that its origins date back to ancient times; others think it is no more than 300 years old; even diligent researchers of Freemasonry cannot reach a unanimous decision regarding the origins and goals... of this secret society. In these matters, Joseph Gabriel Findel, a German writer, publisher of the renowned Masonic journal Bauhütte, and soon to be the author of the first popular history of world Freemasonry, attempted to provide clarity. He had unrestricted access to the materials and documents of the brotherhood, as he himself belonged to a Masonic lodge, which is why his work was highly regarded among followers and translated into other languages.