The weight of this volume sits in the hand like an old lodge Bible, dense and a little unforgiving, its a serious history of anti-Masonry. Anyone looking for a masonic history book that does not flatter us will find that The Red Triangle traces the old accusations, pamphlets, and panics with patient detail. The price feels steep at first glance, although the depth of research justifies treating it as a long-term reference rather than a casual read.

I have found that a masonic history book like this does something uncomfortable and necessary; it strips away the rosy stories we tell ourselves and shows how the Craft has been seen from the outside, sometimes as villain, sometimes as convenient scapegoat. Some brothers worry that such a book might shake their faith, but I have seen it do the opposite by grounding our ideals in the rough stone of real conflict.

In the quiet after a meeting, when the lodge has emptied and the collar marks still faintly press the neck, a masonic history book that confronts anti-Masonry can feel like the other side of the tracing board we rarely turn over. I keep wondering how many future attacks on the Craft will simply be old arguments in new dress. Reading this sort of work equips a brother to answer calmly, with facts instead of heat.