Its mysterious symbols and rituals had been used in secret for centuries before Freemasonry revealed itself in London in 1717. Once known, Freemasonry spread throughout the world and attracted kings, emperors, and statesmen to take its sacred oaths. But where had this powerful organization come from? Why was Freemasonry attacked with such intense hatred by the Roman Catholic church? Based on years of meticulous research, this detective story answers those questions and more, solving the last remaining mysteries of the Masons.