The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century, 1590 to 1710 (Paperback (David Stevenson). Traces the roots of modern Freemasonry to Scotland around 1600, when the system of lodges was created by stonemasons, and where rituals and secrets blended medieval mythology with a number of late Renaissance intellectual influences.
Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance (W. Kirk MacNulty). The historical and philosophical background of the order, from the earliest Masons to the present day, including the Knights Templar, the medieval stonemasons' guilds, and esoteric traditions such as Kabbalah and Hermeticism, famous members and scandals.
Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide 3rd Edition (Arturo de Hoyos). A comprehensive guidebook to the official ritual of the Supreme Council with a chapter devoted to each of the rituals of all 29 Degrees (4-32), plus the KCCH. Also includes the Scottish Rite`s origins, ritual development, and structure.
A Bridge to Light - Revised Edition (Rex Hutchins). A shorter introduction to Scottish Rite degrees and symbolism, which provides a helpful and handy guide to the lessons of the degrees and their philosophical underpinnings.