Charleston Southern Books

An extremely useful book for anyone wishing to know the depths of degrees involved within the Freemasons and the Rank which each degree / level is assigned. Contrary to what they say in this book, it did'nt really reveal many hidden secrets which are alrteady widely available on the Internet.
This book is only of real value to existing Freemasons and could be said to be a version af the Masonic Bible.

In the media and in the classroom, society heralds Masonry as the saviour of freedom and the protector of the weak. While the history books claim that Masonry started with the templars, research proves otherwise.

Thomas Paine:
"The Entered Apprentice knows but little more of Masonry than the use of signs and tokens, and certain steps and words by which Masons can recognize each other without being discovered by a person who is not a Mason. The Fellow Craft is not much better instructed in Masonry, than the Entered Apprentice. It is only in the Master Mason's Lodge, that whatever knowledge remains of the origin of Masonry is preserved and concealed"

Free Masonry is a society built upon lies. The origin and foundation tell the story. Such an organization built upon deception and manipulation which holds substantial power in this world does not bode well. The Masons are not defenders of the weak but the rulers of the weak.

To confront the so-called patriotism of Pike: Pike was a founding member of the Klan. The Klan was so evil that the founder, General Nathan Bedford Forrest, ordered the members to disband. Pike's continued popularity in Washington reveals a darker and largely unknown side to US history.

Albert Pike: I took my obligation to White men, not to Negroes. When I have to accept Negroes as brothers or leave Masonry, I shall leave it.
(History and Evolution of Freemasonry, page 329)

They kept great communication with me when I had questions. The product was in better condition than described. It was very nicely packaged and the book is definitely a magical one. I feel as if this is a world within a world. I am convinced with all the events of today, Freemasons have had their influence. There is no such thing as coincidence, only the illusion of coincidence.

I have a 1969 edition and after comparing with other editions I found them to have the same content.

I'm not a member of the Masonic order, so how better to find out what Freemasonry is about than to read THEIR books? If you TRULY want to become a TRUE Freemanson - above and beyond all else - then, according to my studies on this subject, you will go far beyond the teachings in most lodges in America.

I've also read and have The Builders, A New Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry (Ars Magna Latomorum) And of Cognate Instituted Mysteries: Their Rites, Literature and History (Combined Edition: Two ... Rites Literature and History/2 Volumes in 1), History of Magic: Including a Clear, and Precise Exposition of its Procedure, Rites and Mysteries and The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Reader's Edition) (I have this copy, ISBN: 0-89314-540-8).

Going to page 321 in Morals And Dogma you will find: "...Lucifer, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the light, and with its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual, or selfish Souls? Doubt it not! for traditions are full of Divine Revalations and Inspirations: and Inspiration is not of one Age or Creed. Plato and Philo, also, were inspired."

Enough said. As a true believer in Jesus Christ, I can never be a Freemason.

Read Christianity and the secret teachings of the Masonic lodge: What goes on behind closed doors

This book is well known to Masons, especially Scottish Rite Masons, since Brother Pike was the driving force behind developing the Scottish Rite, if that accolade can be pinned to one person. As a Scottish Rite Mason, I bought a 1929 hardback edition partly for its historic and sentimental value, and I don't regret it. Be cautioned, however, that this is no easy read. In addition to being a very large book, it is written in a style that today looks archaic and cumbersome. But the great wealth of Masonic information here easily overshadows that caveat, especially if you plan to use it as a reference rather than to sit down and plow through it cover-to-cover. It is highly recommended as a gift to a new 32nd degree Mason or anyone else who seeks an understanding of what the Scottish Rite has to offer.

I enjoyed the history lesson and the great recipes in this must own cookbook!

John Martin Taylor does an outstanding job of sharing the history, culture, the exact how and why of South Carolina Low Country (Costal Carolina)Cooking. This book is enjoyable, reads like a good novel and will be appreciated by both novice or experinced cooks. If you enjoy good regional cook books, this one is a gem and is well worth owning!

There are many "Southern" cookbooks out there, however few ring true, as many recipes are "Southern style" with added ingredients that would make folks from Mississippi, through Georgia, and up to Kentucky cringe in disbelief!

Tonight I wanted a Southern style cornbread, so I tried his recipe. WOW! The addition of bacon grease to the bottom (and also to the sides) of a cold then heated to 450 degree seasoned iron skillet, to which is added the room temperature batter mix, produces a loud sizzle, quick rise, and a delicious light brown crust, and the light cornbread (free of such adulterants as sugar, cheese, fancy flours and the like) is delicate and tasty, served hot with warm butter or even honey! Just like I had as a child! Now, no disrespect to cornbread with different additions such as sugar, jalapeno, cheeses, fancy flours, etc, that's fine and tasty, but PLEASE don't call those variations Southern Corn Bread!

He has recipes for grits (not the 5 minute kind), fish, shellfish, duck, quail, turkey, marsh hens, meats ( usual, and also oxtail stew, veal sweetbreads, blood pudding) breads, vegetables and desserts. There's even various game, coon, cooter, gator tail and squirrel, pickles, preserves and relishes. The recipes ring true to other recipes I've cooked and read in other cookbooks, so I expect to taste things as I had, again, as a child in the South.

It's odd and no loss that he doesn't have a recipe for fried chicken, heck, I learned that watching others cook theirs with light dusting of salt, pepper, flour, and perhaps a touch of cayenne and spices, then skillet fried in Crisco, till brown and crisp. His crab cakes recipe has so little filler that he warns you it'll fall apart, and it'll be so much tastier and crabbier for the better. Use lump crabmeat if possible, and putting it in the fridge for an hour or two before cooking may help it stay together.

He has a nice commentary for most of the recipes, and he clearly has researched and loves Southern cookery. Enjoy this and try Edna Lewis's (and other southern chefs') books as well for other Authentic Southern recipes.

This is a cookbook alright but it is also a history of lowcountry food, agriculture, and recipes. Plus, Hoppin' John has an attitude and man is he strict: You'd better boil your shrimp with the heads on and you'd better make iced tea the right way.

My daughter loves this cookbook. She was recently married and has enjoyed many of the recipes.

Having dined at The Old Post Office Restaurant on many occassions, I was thrilled to discover that Chef Philip Bardin has put some of his culinary creations to pen and paper for all of us to try at home. I'm blessed to live in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, near The Old Post Office Restaurant, and therefore I have access to some of the same sources of fresh produce, fresh seafood, and quality meats and poultry that the restaurant does. Chef Bardin emphasizes that you have to start with quality ingredients like they use in the restaurant to achieve the best results. With my already having access to quality ingredients, this book provides the final piece of the puzzle and allows me, and my friends, to create some of the same dishes we crave at The Old Post Office Restaurant. This book also provides a wonderful glimpse of our local culture on and around Edisto Island, South Carolina. Living near Edisto Island, I can say that the book gets it right when talking about the local culture, and if you're not from this area the book does an excellent job of introducing you to our wonderful, unique, paradise. If you don't think you'd enjoy the taste of "The Lowcountry" then you haven't tried our food or you haven't been able to try it done right. This book from Chef Bardin of The Old Post Office Restaurant will help you do do southern food right.

The diary of a single, young Southern Belle who gives us glimpses of her life from before the Civil War, to when the fighting comes close to home and when they have to flee to the West. You experience her emotions and innermost thoughts.

Often overlooked, diaries are the primary source of women's history during the Civil War. Here this elite South Carolina woman documents her life, not for prosperity, but as the custom of her day, via her private diary. Poignant and enjoyable to read, Emma carries through this time of war with the true dignity of Southern womanhood. Excellent social history of the daily life of a Southern woman. Thank you for bringing this wonderful diary to light. Joy Melcher, Civil War Lady Magazine

All of the seafood recipes are great. The desserts are sinful. All recipes are easy to read and ingredients are easy to find. Try the Poppy Seed Chicken. This book is not out of print, Bishop England High School is currently printing their 5th edition. They also have Gracious Goodness Christmas which will be featured in a national magazine in October. Their phone number is (843)849-9599.

I borrowed this book from a friend and after trying a variety of the recipies I knew I had to have it. They were easy to follow relatively quick to make and were raved about by the family. Problem was I had to return the book and did not think I could still get it. Thank you Amazon.com! Pick up the book and be sure to try the Fruit Cobbler (fantastic) and Husbands Delight. Neither recipe is low fat but worth EVERY calorie.

I love this book and often give it as a gift. It never fails to please the recipient. Hamby's Catering is extremely well-respected in Charleston, SC. The book is delightful and is worth the purchase just for the famous pimento cheese recipe. I also like the suggested menus for different types of events.

Those who don't know Chef Waggoner from visiting his restaurant or watching his TV shows will get a great introduction, not just into his cooking style but also into his witty way of looking at the world, thinking about the ingredients to go into your recipes and how to prepare them.... Chef Waggoner style.

All recipes come with the classic framework of ingredients, how to process them and a wine pairing suggestion and of course, Bob's opinion.

A fun way to cook and to prepare a unique fusion of South Carolina Lowcountry cooking and the French twist Bob Waggoner gives his creations.

Hamer does an excellent job in this work of describing the challenges faced by Charleston and its residents on the eve of World War II. Hamer's research is impressive, but it is the stories from those who witnessed the changes first-hand that stood out and stayed with me after reading it. I would definitely recommend it to any reader, you don't have to neccesarily be interested in history to enjoy this book.

see above

Students of Civil War history well know Sarah Morgan who wrote a diary that remains an unparalleled portrait of her time. The daughter of privilege, Sarah was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and began her diary in her late teens. By the time Union soldiers had taken over Baton Rouge she had lost both her father and brother. Sarah, along with her sister, Miriam, and her mother eventually fled to the outskirts and later to New Orleans where they remained until the war's closing days.

At one time she wrote, "Oh, how I hate to be like other women." She most certainly was not. She wrote in clear precise prose with an unflinching eye for the reasons behind battle and the horrors of war. Sarah would become the first woman to have a byline when she wrote for the Charleston News and Courier, covering such subjects as race relations, funerals, Spanish and French politics. These editorials by, of all people, a woman caused considerable comment in Charleston.

Her original diary was first published in 1913, almost immediately becoming a source for historians and students alike.

Now, with this volume from The University of Georgia Press we are fortunate to find not only the letters exchanged between Sarah and her husband, Francis Warrington Dawson but these missives are accompanied by articles Sarah wrote. Thus, we now have a complete picture of Sarah the woman as found in her original diary tracing the years of the War and then tin his volume encompassing her years following the war.

When the couple first met Dawson was a widower and owner of the Charleston News and Courier. Sarah was reluctant to marry, and the notes exchanged reveal much about each of them as their courtship continued. Of special interest are Sarah's views on the state of women at that time.

This well conceived and executed volume sheds much light on an important part of our country's history.

- Gail Cooke