I JUST DIDN’T KNOW THAT Revd Neville Barker Cryer, Ian Allan, Hersham (Surrey), 1999. Paperback, 104 pages, £9.99. ISBN 853-182-19-1.

Having voiced an opinion, when someone then says ‘would you review a book which may answer some of the questions you raise’ you can’t really say no, can you?
    This book is written in plain English, so it is neither too technical nor ‘Masonic’. Its purpose? To explain the basics. The collection of 10 chapters, each of which are lectures in their own right, deal, as their titles suggest, with matters such as ‘The origin of our lodge room’, ‘Why do we say and do that’, ‘Neglected aspects of the three degrees’ and ‘Where did we get our clothing’.
    Every page is packed with information: a piece of tradition or regalia is discussed together with a explanation of where it came from and the actual history behind it - some spiritual, but mainly historical and factual – detailing everything from how the apron has developed to the black and white floor of a lodge. It gives a complete series of facts and explanations, covering just about all of the things a new mason will see in the day to day operation of his lodge. But this is not a scientific journal. It is an easily read book that could also be used as a reference.
    Due to the depth of the subject matter it would not be possible to leave any one area with no stone unturned. On a few occasions, I felt the history quoted didn’t quite lead me to the same conclusion as the author but overall I was stimulated by a concise read which stuck to the basics of the point in question.
    I have certainly found this book has answered many questions I had and more. Importantly, to me, the author has created a book which provides a foundation of information for all masons new and old and ought to be described as a ‘must read’.
    Simon Hart