[Original Set. This is the best edition to be collected] The History of Freemasonry Its Antiquities, Symbols, Constitutions, Customs, etc. Embracing an Investigation of the Records of the Organisations of the Fraternity in England, Scotland, Ireland, British Colonies, France, Germany, and the United States. Derived from Official Sources. By Robert Freke Gould, Barrister-AT-Law, Past Senior Grand Deacon of England An intensive history of the Freemasons, looking at the Society across the UK, Europe, and the United States. This volume is particular looks into the early British Freemasonry, the history of the Grand Lodge of England, Freemasonry in York, and more. It is generally considered that the Freemasons began with the establishment of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717. Since its publication this work has remained the standard reference work on the subject. Written by Robert Freke Gould, who was best known for this work, being a prominent Freemason. He was also a soldier and barrister. He was one of the founders of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge in 1886, as he and his fellows had been unsatisfied with the way that Freemasonry history had been offered in the past. Gould was the second Master of the lodge. Description Handsome, scarce and complete three volume set of William Freke Gould's standard work on the history of Freemasonry. Illustrated with 49 tissue-guarded plates including 39 colour plates, 10 monochrome, and 2 folding charts. Published by T.C & E.C. Jack, Edinburgh, ca. 1884. Publishers’ original half leather, with uniform blue boards. Masonic symbols and gilt embellishment to all front boards. Spine with gilt lettering, and decorated with Masonic symbols. All page edges gilt. Volume I. - Chapter I. The Ancient Mysteries through to Chapter XI. Apocryphal Manuscripts. - Tissue-guarded portrait frontispiece ‘H.R.H The Prince of Wales K.G.’ - 12 full-page tissue guarded colour plates - 1 full-page tissue guarded monochrome plates - Number of pages: 504 Volume II. - Chapter XII. Early British Freemasonry through to Chapter XX. History of the Grand Lodge of England 1761-1813). - Tissue-guarded portrait frontispiece ‘M W His Grace The Duke of Abercorn’ - 15 full-page tissue guarded colour plates - 4 full-page tissue guarded monochrome plates - Number of pages: 502 Volume III. - Chapter XXI. History of the United Grand Lodge of England 1814-85 through to Chapter XXXII. The Dominion of Canada and Newfoundland. - Tissue-guarded portrait frontispiece ‘The Hon, James Hozibr, M.P' - 12 full-page tissue guarded colour plates - 2 full-page tissue guarded monochrome plates - 2 fold out charts - Number of pages: 502 including appendix and index Book Dimensions: 29 x 23 x 5 cm and Number of pages (3 Volumes): 1508. A magnificent publication weighing in excess of 8kg. Condition The volumes are beautifully bound, designed, and illustrated. Firm and well-bound volumes. Light wear to boards’ edges, corners, and to head and tail of spines. Internally the three volumes are in very good condition indeed. No names or inscriptions. Light foxing marks on first few pages. All pages are tightly held at the gutter. Inner hinges are very good. Pages are clean, thick, and healthy. The book contains 49 leaves of plates; all are present, and in very good condition (Lovely Set) (Please see pictures).