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 Description Volume one and volume two. 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. Each volume is illustrated with frontispiece, full-page colour plates, black and white plates, and portraits protected by tissue guards. Published by The Caxton Publishing Company, London, ca. 1890's. Publisher’s original uniform blue, Art Nouveau decorated boards, with Masonic symbols and gilt embellishment to all front boards and spines. Volume I: Tissue-guarded portraits frontispiece ‘H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught. K.G.’ 6 full-page tissue guards colour plates Number of Pages: 1 - 252 pages Volume II: Tissue-guarded coloured frontispiece ‘Jewels of the Grand Lodge of Scotland’ 5 full-page tissue-guarded colour plates 1 full-page tissue-guarded black/ white plate Number of Pages: 253 - 504 pages Book Dimensions: 29 x 23 cm. Nice publication weighing in excess of 2.5 kg unpackaged. Condition The books are beautifully bound, designed and illustrated. Firm and well-bound copies. External covers in nice shape, with light wear to corners. Internally’ in lovely condition. No names or inscription. Some evidence of foxing to the very front and back (blank) pages, but the printed pages are generally fine. All pages are tightly held at the gutter. Inner hinges are very good. The book contains 14 leaves of plate; all are present, and in very good condition. Pages are clean, thick, and healthy (Please see pictures).