THE MARK DEGREE David Mitchell, Lewis Masonic, Hersham, 2003. Hardback, 96 pages, £12.95. ISBN 0-85318-2299.

In the introduction to this book, its editor, B. Macdean Ross, informs the reader that it is ‘A truly fascinating book, perfect for all Freemasons.’ So there. Further comment from me would seem to be superfluous, impertinent even, but Freemasonry could do with a little more impertinence - Freemasonry could do with a LOT more impertinence - so here goes.
    The first thing that I noticed about The Mark Degree is that it is a markedly expensive little book. For £12.95 one gets scarce ninety pages of text. Mind you, there are some truly wonderful photographs.
    The second thing that struck me is that the tone of the book is somewhat magisterial, it reminded me very much of one of the many lectures on correct form that I received from my house tutor at prep school. ‘The “little blue book” placed on the pedestal is inept,’ seems to beg the continuance, ‘Take it away immediately and don’t let me see it again, Boy.’
    Despite this, and despite the fact that one is informed, early on, and in a positively Miltonic sentence, that ‘.... Masonry has from time to time been discredited by conflicting and at times extravagant and reckless claims by seemingly authoritative authors,’ the reader is asked to accept the bald assertion that ‘Undoubtedly the building of Solomon’s Temple at Jerusalem gave origin to the tradition of Masonry as we know it.’ But, Sir.... Enough impertinence! This is, overall, rather a good book. It contains a mass of information, historical and procedural, concerning this beautiful and important degree. It is a useful introduction to the degree for anyone considering advancement and a revealing commentary for Mark Master Masons themselves. I rather wish there was more if it!
    The book feels almost like the introductory volume to a magnum opus, as though this is W Bro. Mitchell’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is yet to come. It has certainly spurred this impertinent reviewer to further study of the subject. In fine, I suppose that one could say that this is ‘A truly fascinating book, perfect for all Freemasons.’ So there.
    Mark Farmer