Masonic references in Time Scout novels

References to Freemasonry in popular culture range from the vitriolic to the innocuous. Far more often they are merely misinformed allusions from which Freemasonry faces a far more insidious threat; that of being marginalized, trivialized, and fictionalized. Most of the references noted on this site are harmless, simply pointing out that Freemasonry has played a role in our society; some are humorous, yet some are disturbing in their associations.

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Masonic references in Time Scout novels

In a series of novels taking place in the near-future when time warps have opened up, and time travel to the past is a tourist industry, one character, Malcolm Moore, is a freemason. Subsequent novels in the series, Wagers of Sin and The House that Jack Built do not contain any masonic references although the Whitechapel Murders are a major sub-plot. Ripping Time, also about the Whitechapel Murders, disparagingly notes the so-called Royal Conspiracy Theory which includes the freemasons.

A pretty white cap and an enormous straw hat mercifully covered her hideous brown hair. Thick knitted stockings, ankle-length boots, and fingerless mittens completed the ensemble, topped off by a beautiful badge in which a crown and the letters R.M.I.G. enclosed a setsquare and compasses.

"This," Connie Logan had told her with a smile, "is a particularly prestigious school uniform."

"What does R.M.I.G. stand for?"

"Royal Masonic Institute for Girls."

Malcolm, it turned out, was a Freemason, both in real life and in his down-time persona.

"I've found it helps out enormously," he'd told her. "If you're in trouble—and it’s very easy to fall into trouble, even for an experienced guide—having a network of sworn brothers dedicated to a creed of helping those in need can literally be a lifesaver."

"Are all guides and scouts Masons?" Margo asked, wondering with a sinking feeling if this would be yet another barrior to be overcome.

"No, but quite a few are. Don't worry about it, Margo. Membership isn't required." [p. 184-85.]

"That’s a charming costume," she said. "What is it?"

Feeling vastly superior, Margo said, "It’s one of the most prestigious school uniforms in London, from the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls." She dredged up Connie Logan’s lecture and added, "It was founded in Somers Town, London, by a chevalier in 1788." [p. 191.]

Time Scout, Robert Asprin, Linda Evans. Riverdale, New York : Baen Publishing Enterprises, 1999 [first printing, 1995] ISBN: 0671876988. pb 453p.

"Not to mention the Prime Minister drafting his pals in the Masonic Temple to re-enact some idiot’s idea of Masonic rituals on the victims? It was just too nutty, not to mention the total lack of factual support." [p. 143.]

Ripping Time, A Time Scout Novel, Robert Asprin, Linda Evans. Riverdale, N.Y. : Baen Publishing Enterprises, 2000. 0671578677 pb 472p.

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