Conspiracy theories

There was a time when being called a mazun, a Freemason, had far more serious connotations than the irreligious tinge it still carries today.

Freemasonry, as both a political and religious weapon, has been wielded mostly because it involves a society intentionally shrouded in secrecy and disguised behind such references as "just adults playing boy scouts" and "toy-soldier brotherhoods". Only in recent years, it is claimed, have the mystique and aura been finally removed.

In Unlocking the Masonic Code, Ian Gittins aims to pull aside the curtains that shroud this most talked about secret society in the world, from its most famous members to its infamous history. For centuries Freemasonry has been the subject of rumour and intrigue. From its obscure origins to the suspicion that it exercises huge influence on government and multinational corporations, there has always been more than a whiff of controversy about the organisation.

Mr Gittins sets out to reveal the truth behind the myths, to sift fact from the fiction, and to unveil the mysterious rites and ceremonies we have all read about and which have fascinated us no end. He delves deep into what he claims are the true origins of the society, its philosophy and practices, describes the rituals, and profiles a number of key figures. Along the way, he also shows where "fact and fiction have fought, and fiction has won the battle".

However, Unlocking the Masonic Code reads as another exercise leading us on yet another wild goose chase. Can one really write that after all the years of hype, here at last is the truth about Freemasonry, namely that it is a benign, charitable organisation dedicated to doing good works among its fellow men, regardless of whether or not these fellow men happen to be "on the square"? On reading this book, one certainly gets the impression that Mr Gittins does genuinely attempt to explode myths about the craft, starting with the famous one about how Masons are trying to create a "new world order".

Given that the professed founding principles of Masonry are brotherly love, relief and truth and that Masons believe that you should look men (dismiss racial or woman) for who they are rather than what their colour and religion is, a new world order would be an utopia, pleasant to inhabit.

Mr Gittins may fail to usher away the doubts, yet still exposes the secret behind the heart of the organisation, what is called the "supreme being". The latter is actually belief in a supreme being, as nothing more than belief in humanity itself. Mr Gittins also explains why, since every Mason is urged to do good towards his fellow human beings, to be good citizens and to look beyond the dogma of religious beliefs and see the good in humanity itself, religions have always seen Freemasonry as a threat.

Fact or fiction, right or wrong, Unlocking the Masonic Code still makes a very enjoyable read. Mr Gittins is not lost for words and is a master at making sheer revelations out of old hat. His style of writing is easy on the eyes and mind, and moves away from the traditional studies on Masonry that more often than not are either too intellectual or obscure. Over-simplification, though, can be the author's Achilles heel. In a world that increasingly demands transparency, one simply cannot kill off the suspicion that there are still things that need to be hidden or to be re-interpreted.

• Mr Flores is a writer, journalist and broadcaster. He has written books of fiction and non-fiction as well as poetry in both Maltese and English. He was one of the co-founders of the Moviment Qawmien Letterarju.
• A review copy of this title was supplied by Agenda Bookshop.