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The Secret Teachings of All Ages

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Who Would Like This Book:

Prepare for a wild intellectual journey! This book is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of religion, ancient philosophy, mysticism, or secret societies. Manly P. Hall manages to make complex esoteric traditions compelling and accessible, weaving a tapestry from Masonic symbolism to the myth of Atlantis and beyond. The bite-sized chapters make it perfect for dipping in and out, and it's a fantastic reference for researchers, history buffs, and anyone who loves connecting dots between philosophy, symbolism, and the world's mystical traditions.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone is enchanted. If you're looking for scholarly rigor, beware - some claims lack evidence or lean heavily into speculation and conspiracy. Critical readers or those well-versed in certain faiths may spot factual inaccuracies or misrepresentations. The book's encyclopedic style can feel overwhelming, and readers seeking a linear, narrative experience may find it too dense. Also, not all editions preserve the book's stunning original artwork, which is a loss for visually-oriented readers.

A visually and intellectually dazzling classic bursting with forgotten lore, best enjoyed as an inspiring reference or curiosity shop - just bring a healthy dose of skepticism, an open mind, and maybe a magnifying glass for the fine print!

About:

'The Secret Teachings of All Ages' by Manly P. Hall delves into profound topics such as metaphysical truths, ancient wisdom, and symbolic philosophies. Through a blend of esoteric, alchemical, and occult themes, the author explores the intricate connections between various religious and philosophical traditions. Hall's writing style is described as open, fact-based, and thought-provoking, inviting readers to make their own connections and interpretations based on the wealth of information presented. offers a deep dive into the inner workings of historical figures, symbols, and ideologies, providing readers with a comprehensive guide to understanding the hidden teachings of the ages.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is a blend of academic rigor and engaging readability, providing intricate details while remaining accessible to readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into the exploration of esoteric traditions, secret societies, and the symbolism in ancient religions, presenting itself more as a scholarly reference than a traditional plot-driven story.

Setting:

The setting encompasses a variety of historical and cultural contexts, focusing on ancient and modern esoteric traditions.

Pacing:

The pacing is methodical, with chapters that require focused reading, making it less suited for casual browsing.

Notes:

The book is a compendium of religious mythology and mystical religions.
It serves as a reference work rather than a traditional read from cover to cover.
Hall provides an overview of major philosophical movements in history.
The text covers diverse topics including ancient mysteries, alchemy, and Freemasonry.
It argues that secret societies have historically influenced world events and ideologies.
Readers are encouraged to view religions as having both exoteric (literal) and esoteric (symbolic) aspects.
Manly P. Hall has written over 150 books and delivered over 8000 lectures.
The book includes a substantial bibliography for further research.
It discusses the significance of symbols in various cultures and philosophies.
The reading experience can be challenging due to the dense material and small print, but many find it deeply rewarding.

From The Publisher:

This key to the world's esoteric traditions unlocks some of the most fascinating and closely held secrets of myth, religion, and philosophy. Unrivaled in its beauty and completeness, it distills ancient and modern teachings of nearly 600 experts. Compelling themes range from the riddle of the Sphinx and the tenets of Pythagorean astronomy to the symbolism of the pentagram, the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, and the design of the American flag.

Acclaimed by Publishers Weekly as a classic reference, dizzying in its breadth, this remarkable resource was compiled by the founder of the Philosophical Research Society. Author Manly P. Hall examines the secrets of Isis along with arcane aspects of mystic Christianity and other religions. Fascinating surveys cover topics as diverse as Kabbalah, alchemy, cryptology, and Tarot, along with Masonry, gemology, and the identity of William Shakespeare. Sixteen pages of color plates and 100 black-and-white images by the celebrated illustrator J. Augustus Knapp illuminate this vast and indispensable encyclopedia of the occult.

1928

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About the Author:

Canadian-born author and mystic Manly Palmer Hall (1901-90) founded the Philosophical Research Society. In his eight decades of public life - which included thousands of lectures, more than 150 books and essays, and countless magazine articles - Hall emphasized the practical aspects of philosophy and religion.

 
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