Freemasonry and the Ancient Gods.
London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., 1921. First Edition. Hardcover. Large thick octavo. xxii + 374pp. Original red cloth lettered in gilt on spine, gilt Masonic device on front board. Color frontis with tissue guard. B/w plates. Bibliography & index. J. S. M. [John Sebastian Marlow] Ward (1885 – 1949) was an English author and psychic medium who made many contributions to the history of Freemasonry and other secret societies, and was perhaps best known for his study of symbolism: "The Sign Language of the Mysteries". On the subject of Freemasonry, along with this volume, Ward also wrote, "Freemasonry, it's Aims and Ideals", "Studies in the Growth or Our Order", etc.
Despite its arcane nature the book proved surprisingly with this first edition (1921) selling out quickly and a second edition going to press some five years later. Modest rubbing and shelf wear to boards, pin-point size hole in cloth of upper front gutter, light bruising to head and tail of spine. Edges of text block darkened and foxed, endpapers toned; a hint of pale foxing to the first and last few leaves. Overall a tight, clean, VG+ copy (no dust jacket). Item #69661
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