September 1, 2009
Ocultismo Medieval.(Medieval Occult) Musquera, Xavier. Spain: Nowtilus. 2009. 334p. illus. ISBN 978-84-9763-735-0. pap. $22.95. HISTORY While the word "occult" invokes ideas of magic and witchcraft, it also simply means "hidden." Civilization was still young enough that simple scientific explanation was elusive and the alchemist was the chemical engineer of the day. Masons and guilds had their own mundane political and economic reasons, beyond spiritual and philosophical ones, to keep certain texts or images deliberately cryptic. This accessible, informative, and entertaining book looks into the rituals and lives of medieval masons and attempts to shed light on some of their mystery. It is perhaps no coincidence that author Musquera is also an illustrator, as one the strongest features of this book is the fascinating look into the history of and secret meanings of popular iconography and symbols. Tracing images such as the labyrinth back to Egyptian antiquity to early Christian churches and monasteries, the reader comes to the understanding that almost every image has deep roots. Highly illustrated, it serves as a good introductory text into Masonic iconography or history. Recommended for public or school libraries.-Laura Torres, Arlington, MA
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