It all depends on which side of the debate you want to be on susan, there is a plethera of anti masonic sites online and none back up what they have written with any solid evidence. I read a little of that handbook just now and by going through the 1st few paragraphs I came across so many inaccuracies that what was written held no resemblance to the masonic im a member of.
It came about mainly due to the openess of freemasonry in the states where in some instances the general public are able to view certain degrees. Their inabiltiy to understand what was going on led to many misconceptions and through them to these ideas that range from masonry controlling goverments,churches and almost every aspect of human life.
I must admit that it doesn't help that masonry does not defend itself mainly because by doing so it would give some credance to these people but It would also mean that it had something to defend itself against.