Freemasons. A Popular History: Organization, Appearance, Activities

Freemasonry is a mysterious and secretive society whose roots go deep into history. Some claim that Freemasons descend from biblical patriarchs; others talk about connections to Solomon’s Temple. Most researchers suggest that Freemasonry arose from medieval builders’ guilds and from the searches of European intellectuals.

It’s interesting to learn what Freemasonry is and when the first orders were formed, and where their lodges were located. Why did Masons call their activity “the king’s art”? And when and how did the Free Masons become part of Russian cultural life, and who were their famous representatives?