China and Hong Kong Freemasonry; Chater-Cosmo Transactions; Masonic Records of the Far East 1982-1991 & Pamphlets
A useful collection of publications relating to the history and development of Freemasonry in Hong Kong, China and the wider Far East, principally issued by two long-established Hong Kong lodges: the Paul Chater Lodge of Installed Masters No. 5391 EC and Lodge Cosmopolitan No. 428 SC. The Chater-Cosmo Transactions brought together historical and scholarly research on Freemasonry in the region, encompassing the history of individual lodges and chapters, Masonic organisation and ritual, and the interaction of Freemasonry with Chinese culture, philosophy and religion. The papers range widely in subject, with contributions on such topics as early Freemasonry in Hong Kong, Chinese philosophy, the Masonic history of José Rizal, Freemasonry in India and Japan, women and Freemasonry, and the structure and traditions of the Craft.
The five volumes offered here span material published between 1982 and 1991, including the retrospective volume drawing together earlier material from 1958-1971. They are accompanied by two related Hong Kong Masonic pamphlets: Christopher Haffner's How Freemasonry Came to China, and Freemasonry as a Cult, presenting a summary of a recording by the Revd David Pawson together with Haffner's comments in his capacity as District Grand Master of Hong Kong and the Far East. Collectively, the group provides an interesting body of relatively specialised material documenting the history, organisation and intellectual concerns of English and Scottish Freemasonry in Hong Kong and East Asia during the later twentieth century.
This collection is composed of 5 volumes of Chater-Cosmo Transactions; Masonic Records of the Far East, and 2 additional pamphlets published in Hong Kong. Comprising:
Chater-Cosmo Transactions; Masonic Records of the Far East:
Volume 4 for 1982;
Volume 5 for 1983;
Volume II Retrospective Issue, featuring material from 1958-1971, published 1991;
Volume 13 for 1990;
Volume 14 for 1991.
& 36pp Booklet "Freemasonry As A Cult"; A summary of the text of a tape recording by the Revd. David Pawson with the comments of Christopher Haffner, District Grand Master, Hong Kong and the Far East, United Grand Lodge of England;
(All the above published jointly by The Paul Chater Lodge of Installed Masters No. 5391 EC and Lodge Cosmopolitan No. 428 Sc, Hong Kong.)
& 8pp Pamphlet "How Freemasonry Came to China", published by District Grand Lodge of Hong Kong and the Far East, by Christopher Haffner. Undated.
Overall, a very good collection of softback publications. Some minor fine spotting to edge of text blocks, and occasional age-spotting. Vol. 14 with a bookplate from a previous owner. A scarce group of publications.
Text in mainly in English, with just occasional Chinese language text.
Dimensions of Chater-Cosmo Transactions: approx 215mm high x 140mm wide x 10-20mm deep.
Weight: Approximately 1890g (the set - unpacked).