LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25794

1798 American Masonic Volume: Constitutions ...

Currency:USD Category:Books / Antiquarian & Collectible Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 2,000.00 USD
1798 American Masonic Volume: Constitutions ...
<B>1798 American Masonic Volume: <I>Constitutions of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons</B></I>,</B></I> compiled by Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, (Isaiah Thomas: Worchester, Massachusetts, 1798), second edition, hardbound cloth, quarter leather, 288 pages, 7.5" x 9.5". This very rare and important book was published by the Masonic Brothers from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, of which Isaiah Thomas, Thaddeus Harris, and Paul Revere were all members. Printed in 1798 or 5798 in Masonic years, and has a fantastic copperplate frontispiece engraved by Seymour. The full title is: <I>Constitutions of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons; Collected and Digested From Their Old Records, faithful Traditions, and Lodge Books: For The Use of Lodges. Together With The History and General Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.</B></I> The first edition of this historically significant volume was published in 1792; this edition was revised during the period when Paul Revere was Grand Master of the Massachusetts Lodge. While Grand Master, Revere continued the distribution of the first edition of Constitutions, which was originally compiled as a result of the union between the Massachusetts Grand Lodge and St. John's Grand Lodge. The book was a compilation of Masonic history, charges, addresses, constitutions, laws and songs. They planned to send a copy of the book to every lodge in the state, as well as presenting the volume to all new lodges chartered thereafter. According to Revere, the constitutions were "calculated with so much pains, for the benefit of the therein contained." Revere obviously had a sincere interest in the rules and regulations which were designed to keep the fraternity running smoothly, as he often served on committees to revise Masonic rules and bylaws. He also wrote the charges that were used in the installation of officers while he was Grand Master. A committee comprised of Revere, John Cutler, Isaiah Thomas, Timothy Whiting, and William Bentley gave final approval to the revisions and corrections contained in this important volume. This is also one of the most beautiful examples of Thomas' printing: printed on heavy, high-rag content paper, heavily inked with decorative touches and points of composition that are exquisite. Overall in fine condition. At the top of the title page is the neat, ink signature of the original owner, "George G. Lee". A Newburyport Public Library bookplate is found on the front pastedown. The front cover has become detached, and the spine is damaged, but the interior pages are tight, complete and clean with a heavy transfer shadow on the title page from the frontis engraving, and some light transfer from the text.
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