BOOKS TO INTEREST MASONS Unseen Journey, (video) produced by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Order from Eye Films and Video, P.O. Box 3606, Oakbrook, Illinois 60522-3606. $29.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Some may wonder why I would review a video tape in a group of book reports. I have no particular reason except I am the editor and will review whatever I think is good. This tape is very good. I am always impressed when the fraternity does a professional job on anything. Bob Singer wrote and produced print advertisement for the Grand Lodge of New York when he was Grand Master. He also reorganized the Grand Lodge magazine. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON. Jack Kelley redid THE TEXAS MASON. Allen E. Roberts wrote and produced a complete course on leadership a number of years ago. In each of these instances professionalism was easy to see. This film, from Illinois is professionally produced and presented. The video opens with selections from Mozart's The Magic Flute. Professional actors were hired and professional talent was used entirely for the production. Most of the people appearing in the film were Masons. This is not the main reason they were hired. The fact that they are Masons helps the film but their professionalism was the main reason for their choice. Brother David Nesbit, who does the narration and who appears throughout the film, is a Mason. He is also a professional stage actor. Brother Peter Jesop, who acts as the candidate is a professional musician and actor. Brother I. Michael Toth, who directed and edited the film, is a professional film producer. Brother Craig Parsons produced the film and wrote original music for man of the scenes. The film moves rapidly from theoretical studies as to the origin of Freemasonry to the present day and the things that Freemasons actually do. Masonic charity is emphasized as is the aspect of brotherhood. Mozart's music for opening the lodge is given a prominent place. Not only does this film delve into the deeper aspects of Masonry, it is a visual delight. Most bodies, wishing to present a Masonic message could take a leaf rom the book of these Illinois brethren, I can not recommend the film too highly. The Grand Design, by Wallace E. McLeod. 199 pages, hardcover, fully indexed. Available from Iowa Research Lodge No. 2, P.O. Box 3643, Des Moines, IA 50322. $15.00 postpaid. This book is a collection of philosophical essays. Professor McLeod begins with a short article on how to write a short talk and another on preparing a paper for presentation in a research lodge. It is not possible but anyone performing either of these duties should be required too read these articles before beginning. He has a number of selections on Loyalist Masons and their Masonic work. He writes of Alber Pike and McLeod Moore of Canada. One article I particularly liked was on Victorian Obscenity Laws and their effect on Masonic historians. He includes a poem from that era which is reminiscent of Brother Robert Burns' The Merry Muses of Calendonia. I don't think the poem would shock anyone today, but I can imagine what it did to the Victorians. There is a wealth of information in these pages. In his article on John Coustos, Professor McLeod uses original material from Portugal and shows that Coustos, rather than being tortured to reveal the secrets of Freemasonry, sang like a canary and was tortured only because the inquisitors did not believe his confessions. He has a long section on the old charges which should be enlightening to most of us, as well as a number of items showing why he believes in the transition theory. Those who have read the book or parts of it have stated that it is one of the most interesting books ever offered by Iowa Research Lodge. Others are trying to another book as soon as possible from Dr. McLeod. The forward by Allen E. Roberts states "This is a book which had to be published ... It takes us to the dramatic vastness which is Freemasonry." I highly recommend The Grand Design to all Freemasons, from the young just starting to learn to those who have labored in the quarries for many years. The Mystic Tie, by Allen E. Roberts. 296 pages, hardcover, fully indexed. Foreward by Richard E. Fletcher, MSA. Available from Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co. Richmond, Virginia 23228-0759. "The Mystic Tie" is Al Roberts catch phrase. When he is invited to speak and told a title for his talk is necessary, he uses "The Mystic Tie". I have heard no less than four separate and distinct speeches from Al using this title which have absolutely no relation to one another. This is the twenty-third book from Al Roberts' inspired pen (or word processor). Like all the book he has previously written it is interesting, fast moving, and educational. He opens with a section on philosophy and opinion. From there he rapidly moves to history, biography, and a section entitled "Fiction/Drama". I have no idea how much truth is contained in this section. It is my favorite portion of the book. Regardless of its truth it tells of Freemasonry in a perfect world. The people Al writhe about act as Masons are expected to act. Finally he has two versions of "A Lodge of Confusion." These were popular in many states some twenty years ago. We used to put on something quite similar in Iowa. I used to think they were great. I no longer think so. What Al ridicules about lodges, their ignorance, their sloppy work. has become the norm. When you present something like this to a number of Masons and they see nothing wrong with it, it is time to change the approach. Like all of Al Roberts books it is well worth reading and everyone should own a copy. Buy it!