The disappearance and presumed murder of William Morgan in 1826, by Masons, set off an intense anti-Masonic period which lasted until ca. 1842. The fraternity, which was once called the "handmaid of religion," was denounced as an institution of the devil. The Rev. David Bernard, one of the first to renounce his membership, prepared what was arguably the most important work of the period. Hailed as the "Bible of the anti-Masons," it offered the most complete exposure of American Masonic rituals ever published. Included were the secrets of the "Blue Lodge," York Rite (Royal Arch, etc.), the Scottish Rite (never before exposed), and much more, plus committee reports and testimony.

In his 200-page introduction de Hoyos relied on the Scottish Rite's own archival correspondence to reveal a fascinating story of betrayal, showing how rituals were obtained for publication. He also supplemented the original work by providing the missing contemporary ritual texts, making this the most complete work on Masonic ritual of this important period in American and Masonic history.