Builders' Rites and Ceremonies  (English, Paperback, Speth G. W.)

This fascinating book surveys the unusual practices of various cultures relative to erecting structures, and may hint at some of the esoteric practices of Freemasonry. Did you know that in both ancient and modern cultures it was common to sacrifice animals, and even people, to "establish a building in strength"? Such sacrifices sometimes required the death of the builder. Did you know that the practice of laying coins under a foundation stone was a sinister practice intended to catch the King's soul by burying his visage? Or that unwitting strangers secretly had their shadows measured for the same purpose? This book is sure to enlighten and surprise the reader, and may hint at the reason for Hiram's untimely death.