John F Newton was an American writer who, on his induction into Masonry, inquired if there was any introductory book detailing what the Craft was, "whence it came, what it teaches, and what it is trying to do in the world". Finding there was none, he resolved learn, and write upon the subject. 'The Builders' is the fascinating result of this research. Starting with ancient Egypt, Newton follows a thread of evidence from the ancient Mystery religions and the Collegia of Rome to the Comacine Masters and the Cathedral Builders, tracing the true origins of Masonry to these medieval stone-masons. The fraternity fell into decline, but was resurrected at an eighteenth century London alehouse. This scholarly but popular account of masonry was once given to every newly initiated Mason in the State of Iowa. It will prove a boon to all those interested in the Craft, mason and non-mason alike.