‎"OLIVER, GEORGE.‎
‎Signs and Symbols Illustrated and Explained: In a Course of Twelve Lectures on Free-Masonry. New Edition. ‎

‎London, Sherwood, Gilbert and Piper, 1837. 8vo. Bound in a contemporary richly decorated full calf binding, elaborately tooled in gilt with Masonic symbolism. The covers are framed by blind-tooled fillets. At the center of each board appears a radiant sunburst composed of finely gilt rays, in the center a an open bible with the square and compasses, the principal emblem of Freemasonry. The corners are decorated with smaller symbolic tools and emblems, while the upper boards feature gilt sun and crescent moon motifs. All edges marbled. Edges of boards, spine and hinges with wear. Verso of front board stating “J. A. Grantham, Wincle, Chechire”. In hand: “Gift of F. P. Reynold”. Internally with light occasional brownspotting. XV, (1), 272, 6, (2) pp. ‎

Reference : 63023

‎Rare second edition of one of the classic nineteenth-century works on Masonic symbolism. In a series of twelve lectures George Oliver examines and interprets the most important emblems, allegories and ritual symbols of Freemasonry, including the square and compasses, the sun and moon, the Temple of Solomon and the symbolic tools of the various degrees. Oliver’s writings were very influential in shaping the Victorian understanding of Masonic symbolism and the philosophical interpretation presenting Freemasonry as a moral and allegorical system rooted in biblical and ancient traditions. ""Oliver George (1782–1867), topographer and writer on freemasonry, was descended from an ancient Scottish family, some members of which came to England in the reign of James I, and were subsequently settled at Clipstone Park, Nottinghamshire. He was born at Papplewick, Nottinghamshire, on 5 Nov. 1782, and, after receiving a liberal education at Nottingham, he became in 1803 second master of the grammar school at Caistor, Lincolnshire. Six years afterwards he was appointed to the headmastership of King Edward's grammar school at Great Grimsby. He was ordained deacon in 1813, and priest in 1814" and in July 1815 Bishop Tomline collated him to the living of Clee, when his name was placed on the boards of Trinity College, Cambridge, by Dr. Bayley, subdean of Lincoln and examining chaplain to the bishop, as a 'ten-year man.' In the same year he was admitted as surrogate, and a steward of the clerical fund. He had been elected deputy past grand master of masons for Lincolnshire in 1832, and in 1840 he was appointed an honorary member of the grand lodge of Massachusetts, with the rank of deputy grand master.” (Dictionary of National Biography)‎