The order

The definitive book on Freemasonry, a secret and powerful movement, by John Dickie, author of Mafia Republic and Cosa Nostra.

Although Freemasonry is shrouded in an aura of mystery, its history is populated by some of the most important people of recent centuries, such as Churchill, Disney, Mozart, Franklin, and Kipling. Founded in London in 1717 with a clear vocation for brotherhood among men, the Order expanded rapidly. During George Washington's presidency, it became the creed of the new American nation. Both the Mormon Church and the Sicilian Mafia owe their origins to it. And for Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco, it was an absolute obsession to crush these networks and their members, whom they perceived as devil worshippers.

In this book, John Dickie undertakes a fascinating exploration of a movement whose influence was not only key in shaping modern society but also extends to the present. With over six million members worldwide, understanding the role of Freemasonry in history today is fundamental.

Praise for the book:
"A magnificent book that reads like an adventure novel. The research is astonishing, but what stands out in this book is the author's visceral understanding of what makes a good story."
The Times

"A fascinating account. Dickie has turned legend into history."
The Economist

"John Dickie approaches the subject with ironic prose, the cold judgment of a good historian, and a broad, penetrating gaze."
Sunday Times

"Compelling and entertaining."
The Wall Street Journal

"A sweeping, synthetic, finely crafted, and freshly conceived work."
Literary Review

"A history of modernity in the shadows. Ingenious and strange. Well-crafted and sensible."
The Spectator