William L. Fox Knihy

In Valley of the Craftsmen, the story of "higher degree" Freemasonry is depicted through portraits, official papers, material objects, photographs, buildings, and stagecraft. Featuring many previously unpublished images, Valley of the Craftsmen begins with rare illustrations of the English and French philosophical sources that were projected upon an American landscape vitalized and transformed by the concept of fraternity. The story is framed by American popular culture and the serious private effort of individual men in small towns and expansive cities who were intent on developing a moral life in service to their communities.

Exploring the relationship between art and landscape, this book delves into the works of eight contemporary artists from Nevada who engage with the unique and often harsh environments of the Great Basin. Through their innovative creations, these artists—Jim McCormick, Rita Deanin Abbey, Dennis Parks, Walter McNamara, Robert Beckmann, Michael Heizer, Bill Barker, and Mary Ann Bonjorni—reflect and shape perceptions of the American West, revealing the complex interplay between European influences and the region's expansive spaces.