When first published in 1981, "The Radical Enlightenment" encountered both praise and blame. In the course of time it became a classic. In the era after 1945 the book was perhaps the first English language scholarly work to address freemasonry seriously. "a landmark in the studies of Masonic influences regarding the period of European enlightenment" - Bruno Gazzo, Editor of Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry "This book chronicles those beginning events in Europe which gave Freemasons a proud heritage of freedom and fighting for it. Try Jacob's book. I'll bet you buy extra copies to give to your friends." - Jim Tresner, Ph.D., Book Review Editor, "The Scottish Rite Journal"