PROOFS OF A CONSPIRACY AGAINST ALL THE RELIGIONS AND GOVERNMENTS OF EUROPE...FREE MASONS, ILLUMINATI, AND READING SOCIETIES...by John ROBISON.

PHILADELPHIA: Printed for T. DOBSON, 1798. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION (from the THIRD U.K. edition).

The book lacks its covers, the original title page is loose and chipped (now in a protective sleeve and laid-in), the first two leaves are lacking (facsimiles of these two leaves are in protective sleeves and laid-in), textually complete, 6x9 inches (15x23 cm), 391 pages. In a professionally made custom clamshell case.

Condition: The book lacks its covers; the title-page is loose, toned and chipped, and laid-in; the first two leaves are lacking but facsimiles are laid-in; the last page (page 391) has its upper corner torn off affecting some text; there is foxing, some light shoreline, spotting, and some margin marks, underling and notes here and there throughout, but the text remains clear and legible. In a lovely, custom cloth covered clamshell case that is in fine condition.

Though a flawed copy, this true first American edition of the Anti-Masonic conspiracy theory is quite rare and amazing.

About the conspiracist JOHN ROBISON (from Wikipedia):

******John Robison FRSE, b.1739 d.1805, was a British physicist and mathematician. He was a professor of natural philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.

Towards the end of his life he published Proofs of a Conspiracy, alleging clandestine intrigue by the Illuminati and Freemasons. The monk Alexander Horn provided much of the material for Robison's allegations. French priest Abbé Barruel independently developed similar views that the Illuminati had infiltrated Continental Freemasonry, leading to the excesses of the French Revolution.

Modern conspiracy theorists, such as Nesta Webster and William Guy Carr, believe the methods of the Illuminati as described in Proofs of a Conspiracy were copied by radical groups throughout the 19th and 20th centuries in their subversion of benign organizations. Spiritual Counterfeits Project editor Tal Brooke has compared the views of Proofs of a Conspiracy with those found in Carroll Quigley's Tragedy and Hope (Macmillan, 1966). Brooke suggests that the New World Order, which Robison believed Adam Weishaupt (founder of the Illuminati) had in part accomplished through the infiltration of Freemasonry, will now be completed by those holding sway over the international banking system (e.g., by means of the Rothschilds' banks, the U.S. Federal Reserve, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank).******

THE SPIRIT OF MASONRY in MORAL and ELUCIDATORY LECTURES. By William Hutchinson, Master of the Barnstable Lodge of Concord.

NEW-YORK : Printed by Isaac Collins, no. 189, Pearl-Street, for COTTOM & STEWART, Booksellers and Stationers, ALEXANDRIA [Virginia], 1800.

Lacks its front and rear covers but the leather spine is present, 4.5x6.75 inches. Pagination: [4] blank leaves, vi, [2], 174, 22 pages, [4] blank leaves.

Condition: Lacks covers as noted above, the blank prelims and endpapers are toned, chipped and creased with numerous previous owner's signatures (especially Peter Brady who bought the book in 1900 and wants everyone to know that it's His Book), otherwise generally sound, the text block is well bound to leather spine, the pages have some toning and foxing, there is light shorelining to the first and last few pages, and there is an edge chip here and there, etc., overall the text pages remain tight, clean and unmarked.

The earlier London edition of this book can be found, but the ORIGINAL 1800 AMERICAN PRINTING has become almost impossible to find.

THE ANTI-CONSPIRATOR, or, INFIDELITY UNMASKED; Being a Development of the Principles of FREE MASONRY; to which is Added, STRICTURES ON SLAVERY... Edited and Published by Dyer Burgess.

Contains the first twenty-four issues of this strongly anti-Masonic publication, which strives to show that Masonry and Slavery go hand in hand. The issues are bound together, numbered consecutively and have an index at the front. The issues are: Vol. I No. 1 - Vol. I No. 24 (June 1831 to April 1832).

CINCINNATI: Dyer Burgess, 1831-1832. First Edition

Twenty-four issues, 16 pages each, 384 total pages (numbered consecutively). Bound together in card covers with leather spine, 6x9 inches, 384 pages plus title page and 2 page index.

Copy of Kenneth D. Arn, M.D., b.1921 d.1976, with his bookplate on the inside front cover. Kenneth D. Arn was a noted Dayton, Ohio physician, and a 33rd Degree Mason.

Only FAIR (but complete) condition, the covers are well worn, with scrapes, rubs, tearing to the corners, peeling to the leather spine, some biopredation, etc, but holding on with its sewn binding; internally, the front and rear inner hinges are split, the blank prelims and endpapers are lacking, the front pastedown has light waterstaining, there are relevant pencil notes on the front pastedown, the blank verso of the title page, and the rear pastedown; the first and last twenty or so pages have corner creases; the inner pages are all toned and foxed but the text is legible throughout. A worn but complete copy of this rare and important abolitionist and anti-masonic journal / book.

RARE. Here is how Louisiana State University described its copy:

"Perhaps the rarest journal in the library's collection is The Anti-Conspirator, or Infidelity Unmasked (1831-32), published in Cincinnati by Dyer Burgess, a Presbyterian minister and abolitionist who connected slavery with what he saw as a Masonic conspiracy to destroy democracy."

About Reverend Dyer Burgess (from History of Adams County, published in 1900, and elsewhere on the Internet)

******The Rev. Burgess was very much opposed to secret societies. On June 5, 1831, he began the publication of a semi-monthly periodical at Cincinnati, Ohio, entitled: Infidelity Unmasked. There were twenty-four numbers of it; the last number appeared April 22, 1832. Mr. Burgess was the editor. The periodical was made up of extracts from other periodicals of like character, articles written by like minded individuals, and transcriptions of lectures and addresses against Masonry and slavery. The burden of the periodical is against Masonry, calling it anti-democratic and linking it to slavery, with some articles specifically against slavery.******

A DOCUMENTARY ACCOUNT of the BEGINNINGS of the LABORATORY PRESS, CARNEGIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. By PORTER GARNETT.

Published by THE LABORATORY PRESS, Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, 1927. FIRST and LIMITED EDITION. One of only 255 copies, so stated on the Colophon Page (the last page).

SIGNED, INSCRIBED and DATED by PORTER GARNETT on the front free endpaper to his long-time FRIEND and BOHEMIAN CLUB cohort, WiLLIAM H. SMITH, JR.:

"To / William H. Smith, Jr. / this souvenir of an old and valued friendship. / Porter Garnett / San Francisco / June 25, 1928."

Both William H. Smith, Jr. and Porter Garnett were active members of the Bohemian Club. William H. Smith, Jr. held various offices in the Club, including Secretary, wrote a Grove Play, directed Grove Plays (including one by Porter Garnett), and both were involved with the Bohemian Grove Hijinx encampment.

Hardcovers, parchment covered spine and paper covered boards, spine title label, 7.5x10 inches, Pagination: x + 131 pages + 46 unnumbered pages at the rear containing a descriptive and illustrated bibliography of the works of the Laboratory Press.

Illustrated with facsimiles of pages from the press, photographs, and five full page calligraphic initials in red.

The Laboratory Press was founded in 1923 as a part of Carnegie, set up to give students a chance to see what fine hand-printing and illustration involved. One of the more elusive American private press bibliographies.

VERY GOOD condition: Sunning / slight toning to spine, inner pages toned at the margins; otherwise tight, bright, clean, clear and unmarked. A solid, lightly used, very presentable copy.

About PORTER GARNETT (from Wikipedia):

******Porter Garnett was born in 1871 in San Francisco. He was an active member in San Francisco's literary scene and a MEMBER OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB, writing and directing plays at Bohemian Grove. In 1896, he joined The Lark, founded the previous year by Gelett Burgess and Bruce Porter. In 1907 he became assistant curator of Bancroft Library at the University of California at Berkeley.

IN 1922, GARNETT BECAME PROFESSOR OF GRAPHIC ARTS AT THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (now Carnegie Mellon University) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, teaching traditions, development and ideals of fine printing. There, HE FOUNDED THE LABORATORY PRESS, as the only program in the country FOR THE TEACHING OF FINE PRINTING until the press closed in 1935. The Press was one of the only dedicated to education in printing as a fine art. In 1932, he was awarded the AIGA Medal.

When Porter and his wife Edna retired, they established their home in the San Francisco Bay Area. Garnett died on March 21, 1951, in Calistoga, California. After his death, an archive of his papers was created in his name in the Bancroft Library.******

RARE, especially so SIGNED and INSCRIBED by the Author, Printer and Bohemian PORTER GARNETT to his friend, fellow BOHEMIAN CLUB member WILLIAM H. SMITH, JR.******

(1) PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF CANADA... at its SIXTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, HELD AT OTTAWA, ONTARIO... 1971. HAMILTON (Canada): Spectator Steam Printing House, 1871. Disbound from a larger work that probably contained other proceedings, there are 314 pages in this proceedings with the pages numbered 602 to 915 plus a title page and a 6 page index at the rear, 5x8 inches. Only FAIR condition. Disbound, as noted above, title page is almost loose, there is chipping to the fragile page edges, mainly on the first and last few pages, the pages are toned with age, the last page has much of its upper portion torn away and has a 3 inch tear, there are previous owner's pencil marks here and there throughout; nonetheless a complete copy of this interesting Canadian Masonic report from 1871. (2) PROCEEDINGS OF THE M. W. GRAND LODGE OF THE ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND... Held at Charlottetown June 25, 1894. CHARLOTTETOWN (Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Canada): Haszard & Moore, Printers, 1894. Disbound, 5.5x8.5 inches, 47 pages. Only FAIR condition. Disbound, as noted above, waterstaining / shorelining to the gutter and bottom margin of most pages, chipping to the edges and corners of the first and last few pages, a vertical crease down the middle where the booklet was probably folded in half to fit into a pocket, pages are toned, there are previous owner's bright blue pencil marks here and there throughout; nonetheless a complete copy of this interesting Prince Edward Island Masonic report from 1894.

Kappa Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Presents "FASHIONETTA" 1986, 1988, and 1990 DEBUTANT BALL PROGRAMS

THREE SOUVENIR PROGRAMS, published by Kappa Beta Omega, Vallejo, California, 1986, 1988, 1990. First editions. Illustrated softcovers, 11" x 8.5", pink tinted paper, 208, 142, 151 pages respectively, featuring the b& w portraits of the Debutantes, their escorts, short biographies of each of the Debutantes that showcase their service to the community and educational activities, also Advertisements, many illustrated, from family, friends, community members, and local businesses in support of this group of young Black women. The Ball culminates in the crowning of "Miss Fashionetta." Also included are some invitations, programs and tickets. The 1986 and 1988 programs are in VERY GOOD CONDITION: just some light wear from age and use, overall tight, bright, clean and unmarked, as are the invitations, program and ticket. The 1990 Program is in GOOD CONDITION: with nail polish stains, corner creases and chips on the covers, internally some light wear from handling and some corner-tip creases, otherwise tight, bright, clean and unmarked. An uncommon group of vintage programs documenting the young Black Sorority Women of the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay region.

Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first Greek sorority founded by African American women. Established on January 15, 1908 at Howard University by nine Black students wishing to create an organization for college educated women that would support their academic and personal goals. The Vallejo California's Kappa Beta Omega Chapter in the Bay Area's Solano County is known for their community service and sponsorship of Fashionetta, an annual event during which African American high school girls in their senior year compete for college scholarships by engaging in various academic and civic activities. The Ball is a fundraiser for the Kappa Beta Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Debutante program is open to a select group of young Black ladies who are high school seniors or local college freshmen.

International Order of Odd Fellows Memorial Ribbon: IN MEMORIAM STELLAR LODGE No. 213 I.O.O.F. MENDOCINO, CAL.

Two sided memorial ribbon pin with celluloid and metal medallions, waving flag imagery, silver printing and gold fringe. Red and black ribbon. Above the All Seeing Eye's are three links which represent the secret society's trinity of Friendship, Love and Truth. 9.5" tall x 2.75" wide. Manufactured by The C. E. Ward Co., Manufacturers of Regalia, Costumes and supplies, New London, Ohio, circa 1890s. Included is the original mailing envelope and cardboard backing. The Mendocino Stellar Lodge No. 213 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows constructed their first Odd Fellows Hall in downtown Mendocino on Kasten St. at Ukiah St. in 1878.

VERY GOOD CONDITION: light age wear, a horizontal fold line on the ribbon, some toning to the pins but overall the ribbon and pins are bright and clean. The mailing envelope has a closed top edge tear, some tiny stains and light wear from age and use, the inner cardboard backing has a few light creases but remains strong and unbent. A lovely example of this uncommon Northern California Lodge.

STEWARDS MANUAL, 1904. History of Its Foundation, Aims and Purposes, Portraits and Biographies of Members, Famous Recipes and Instructions by Prominent Stewards.

PUBLISHED by the STEWARDS ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK CITY, Club Room, 49 East Twenty-Eighth Street, New York, 1904. FIRST EDITION.

A guide to the organization and practices of New York Stewards. Includes a history of the Stewards Association of New York, its members, and the RECIPES and SERVING TIPS of some of New York's most prominent stewards.

Hardcover book, red cloth covered boards, black title and design on the front cover (including the emblem of the Stewards Association of New York), 7x10.5 inches, 144 pages. Includes ads here and there throughout for items that Stewards at places such as the Ritz might need, e.g. Champagne, Vichy Water Spritzers, Porcelain Fine Tableware, etc.

ASSOCIATION COPY: "George Pratchett / New York Stewards Association / N.Y.", is hand-written on the front free endpaper.

LAID-IN is an official envelope of the Stewards Association of New York, with its printed emblem and address on the envelope's return address corner. The letter is postmarked 1903. It is addressed to "THE GORHAM MFG. CO. / Broadway & 19th Street / N.Y. / HOTEL DEPT." The Gorham Manufacturing Company was one of the largest American manufacturers of sterling and silverplate. GORHAM MANUFACTURING has an ad on page 3 of this 1904 book. The actual letter is lacking, so you'll just have to imagine the fancy silverware being ordered by a steward at a high-end fraternal members-only very exclusive New York club..

Condition: The covers have spotting and are worn at the corner tips and spine ends, but are still doing their job well; the page edges are foxed (page edges of the closed book); internally the pages are nice, tight, bright, clean, clear and unmarked. A solid, presentable copy.

RARE, ORIGINAL 1904 FIRST EDITION of the NEW YORK STEWARDS MANUAL. Quite special with the association to a New York Steward, and the laid-in 1903 Stewards Association of New York envelope addressed to Gorham Manufacturing.

***1952 INTERNATIONAL FREEMASONRY GRAND MASTERS REUNION***

***BOOK and LAID-IN DOCUMENT SIGNED by GRAND MASTERS of MANY NATIONS and LODGES***

DIE SYMBOLE DES FREIMAURERS (SYMBOLS OF FREEMASONS), by Franz Carl Endres.

STUTTGART: Franz Mittelbach Verlag, 1952. First edition. Hardcover book in dustjacket, 6x8.5 inches, 110 pages. Text in German. Appears to have been published on the occasion of the 1952 REUNION of GRAND MASTERS in BERN, Switzerland.

The book is SIGNED on the front free endpaper by 23 freemason Grand Masters who were attending the reunion. There is also a LAID-IN two page document with the heading REUNION des GRANDS MAITRES à BERNE, les 29 at 30 mars 1952. The document has the names of Grand Masters and other delegates attending the reunion and the country where their Lodge is located. The document is also SIGNED by the attendees next to their printed names.

Condition: GOOD book, some toning, light foxing to the endpapers, otherwise tight, bright and clean; in a FAIR dustjacket that has soiling, rubbing, some corner tip wear, edgewear, and some closed edge tears, but is still doing its job. The laid in document has a horizontal fold, some toning, and light signs of handling. ALL the SIGNATURES in the book and document are bright and clear.

An interesting gathering of POST WWII FREEMASONS primarily from EUROPE.

THE STANFORD QUAD, 1894 Volume I

Stanford's very first published annual (yearbook). From the Editorial Preface - "It combines in one volume a complete record of University affairs, literary, social, and athletic, connected by the best artistic sense of the University. This publication has been christened The Stanford Quad (the plan on which the University is built) . In publishing the first volume of The Stanford Quad, the editors have labored under many disadvantages . but present a happy remembrance of the peculiar and unique incidents of the first years at Stanford."

Published by Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, Printed by H.S. Crocker Company, San Francisco, Edited by the Junior Class of the Leland Stanford Jr. University, A. Lewis Jr., Editor in Chief, 1894. First edition, first printing. Hardbound in half Cardinal red cloth over cream color paper boards, embossed gilt printing on the front cover and spine, with red printed logo design on the front cover, beveled edges, 9.5"x 7.25", 249 numbered pages plus 45 pages of advertisements. Provenance of 1898 Stanford graduate, Ralph B. Hubbard, engineering, member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity, with his name penned to the ffep. GOOD CONDITION: complete as issued, the covers have edgewear, some soiling and toning, the red cloth is splitting 3" at the front spine fold but overall the covers remain solid and the gilt is bright. Internally, the front hinge is cracked but holding, the pages have light foxing, small staining and light signs of use and wear, a few signatures are pulling but remain bound in, overall this original 1894 Stanford annual remains tight, bright, clean and unmarked. Scarce.

Contents include: a romantic portrait of the late Leland Stanford, Jr. (the school's namesake), biography and portrait of President David Starr Jordan, Board of Trustees, Faculty, Assistants, Lecturers, Officers, Committees, Graduates, Student Body Officers, Class Officers, Pioneer Class photo, Fraternity members, tribute poem to Senator Stanford, photographs of the football team, baseball team, and track team, track records, biography of Jane Lathrop Stanford, Literary Societies, "Sequoia" and "Daily Palo Alto" staff, miniature reprint of "Daily Palo Alto" Vol. 1-No. 1 cover, photographs of the Quad staff, Glee club, and Mandolin club, Founders Day program, University calendar, statistics of student origins, extension lecture titles, short stories, music, songs, poems, drawings, photographs, and wonderfully illustrated contemporary ads from local and San Francisco businesses including clothiers, typewriters, stables, hatters, stationary shops, guns, cigarettes, railways, hotels, optometrists, booksellers, and many more.