It should be noted that the lectures in this book are of the Rite of Memphis-Misraim or Oriental Rite and are considered clandestine by most regular masonic lodges. It would seem that a lot of the more negative videos concerning masonry online are based on the teaching of this lodge which is more occult based and has 96 degrees rather then the 33. This is a collection of lectures from Steiner in the early 1900's and while some of the content of the lectures where interesting a good amount became very repetitive and occult based (Hammer of Tubal-cain, astral plane, Lemurian, Atlanteans, Etherial bodies, etc...). Overall; an interesting overview with some good thoughts and reading this work will provide some insight into some of the more commonly held arguments masonry in the media. This is NOT a book on the standard understanding of the Hiramic legend and building of Solomon's Temple. ( )