Truly one of the most unque sort of books I have read. Manly Hall in the opening chapter gives a lengthy discussion on books and how to appreciate them and what one should do in reading and collecting books. Paperbacks he says have sort created a novelty in publishing, as well as lost some of the finer aspects of harcover books. Granted one can argue price over quality any day. Yet many times in paperbacks much of the work is edited. Not so much the text, but perhaps little drawings, headers, borders and so forth. These, he says, are all clues to understanding the book, author, the history as well as symbols. Second he gives a list of books he feels are praiseworthy as well as ones he feels one should include in their library. Setting out earlier that one should have about 100 books for their library and set out to learn about them, the publishers, printing, dates and rarities. These 100 books should be prized books, not just Dover reprints or mass market paperbacks. As he says "This author could have touched this book" in which one will place more personal value on it. The books he lists are obscure, perhaps ones you would not pick, but ones he chose mostly for their historical value as well as content value. Ones that are hard to find (during the time of this books printing) as well as the originals themselves. One should choose a book to begin their library, save the money and search for it. find out the quality of the book, the condition, making sure that its in its original form (with dustjack and other accessories that may accompany it). Then he discusses when one reads a book to always have a dictionary at their side. Read for no more than an hour because your brain will begin to hesitate and slide if its strained and forced. Read for an hour, look up the words you dont know and learn the word by writing it down. Manly Hall surely has a fascination and total appreciation for, not just good books, but books in general. This book has given me a new outlook on the quality and appreciation of books today and always.

For the student of life. This book is a must for your bookshelf! Manley Hall has a true gift for explaining, defining, and making understandable, the basic principles of Astrology, the underlying principles of religion, philosophy, psychology to the layman.

Anyone contemplating the loose and non-dogmatic realm of any New Age regimen would be well served reading this book. This is a very important book and it will speak to you loudly if you let it. If you are embarking on a spiritual adventure with some group or guide, or have already done so, this book will enable you to evaluate the veracity and efficacy of what you might be endeavouring in. If you are looking to truly improve your soul awareness and are willing to do hard honest work, and toil through the proper non dramatic, non gimmick approaches this book will guide you. Rather than waste years and untold sums on scams and blind alleys, this book will give you a legitimate method of evaluating the various approaches you might encounter. I found very useful the list of suggested reading materials he recommends therein as well. Excellent useful advice which is well worth ten times the sales price!

This is an excellent text for anyone interested in Esoteric teachings from ancient times onward. The author covers just about anything you've heard of and probably a lot that you haven't. The color plates and illustrations are excellent and there is an amazing amount of information packed into this book. One problem arises, however: some of the information is outdated when newer discoveries are taken into account. The author wrote the book something like 80 years ago and though it's been through revisions, it still contains information that probably should be updated. That is a rare instance however, and I'd say 99% of this book is accurate, right on the money, and DEFINITELY worth the price. You probably won't find another source that covers as much as well. Buy it, borrow it, whatever, it is worth the time to read.

After years of study and collecting books on occult knowledge, I came across "The Secret Teachings of All Ages" by Manley P. Hall. I wish I had known about it sooner. This would have been the first book I ever purchased on "hidden" doctrine, and would have eliminated the need for many lesser volumes in my library. If for that reason alone, the price was worth it.

The book's value compounds, however, when you consider the erudition and insight Hall gives to his subject. No other ten books even come close to communicating what he does in this one excellent volume, and even though your studies might not end here, you could easily finish reading this book and never want for another occult text in your lifetime. Hall not only covers every staple of the occult diet, but adds in loads of tasty morsels that most students never dreamed of. The chapters on Islam and Native American traditions alone made this text invaluable. This is an author who truly understands the "secret doctrine" of occultism and sees its connections with all the movements and organizations of Creation. Whether you've been studying this subject for decades or are just beginning, this book is a vital necessity for your library. Don't worry about the hardcover price. Buy it anyway. The binding, artwork, and layout make it worth it. I count my copy as one of the best purchases I've ever made, and I'm sure you will, too.

I remeber the first time that I was shown this tome nearly twenty years ago. My father pulled this volume down from his bookshelf and let me read through it, watching my expressions as I beheld its beauty. I was left with a thirst of wanting more. His copy was an older paperback edition that he acquired in some little esoteric bookstore and at that time this was not an easy book to find, now its much easier (for better or worse) to gain secrets that were once privy to the few.

Since I first beheld this magical book, I was able to procure the large (very large) hardcover limited edition signed by the author - the true gem of my library, priceless.

This is a masterpiece of esoteric literature, one that you'll never part with. Truly a must have volume that belongs in the library of every Freemason, Kabbalist, or Rosicrucian. The title says it all. You'll spend hours upon hours in reflection and enthralled at the details of the text and illustrations. The full color plates are beautifully rendered and will literally leap off the pages. Now that this volume is more easily available and you are at least looking for it (or you wouldn't be here, now would you?) I have one suggestion - BUY IT

While I enjoyed this book, I think its title is misleading. The connections between the Egyptian Mysteries and anything resembling Freemasonry, at least that of the last several centuries, is very tenuous. Furthermore, it is not clear to me that the details of the Egyptian ceremonies described are more than speculation. If you would enjoy such speculation, as I did, that's fine. Otherwise, beware.

This is a great book, but not an easy read. There is much here to be read several times and pondered upon.

The author states his purpose in writing the book is: "To suggest an interpretation of Egyptian metaphysical tradition in harmony with with the teachings set forth in what we call the mysteries."

In the introduction, the author lodges a valid criticism of some academics in the fields of Egyptology and archaeology. He makes a distinction between two types of academics. The first are those who are too close to the to see the trees. They are "materialistic minded men" bent on maintaining their reputations and place in the academic community. Terrified of controversy and change. Unwilling to accept conclusions and new theories based on the latest scientific methods. The second group are those bold enough to speculate on new ideas based to modern exploration and research. These people are unafraid to reveal their conclusions to public scrutiny.

This work will be of interest to hard-core students of Freemasonry, especially those who are open-minded and inclined to search for the roots of Freemasonry among the ancient Egyptians.

To the Master Mason interested in the origins of the Craft, the section dealing with the "Crata Repoa" will be quite interesting. To avoid forming the misconception that he is reading the narrative of a modern ritual The reader must keep in mind the author is dealing with a ritual that could only have originated in ancient Egypt and passed down through the ages. Ultimately, the reader must make up his own mind about the information presented by the author.

In chapter Four, "The Secret Doctrine of Egypt", Freemasons will be fascinated by the author's treatment of the "Widow's Son".

Those who are not members of the Masonic fraternity may have difficulty grasping some of the concepts relating to Freemasonry presented by the author.

Manly P. Hall was raised on November 22, 1954 in Jewel Lodge No. 374. In 1990 Mr Hall was elevated to the 33d degree, the highest honor and degree in Freemasonry.

The author has written other books on Freemasonry: "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry"; Masonic Orders of the Fraternity"; and "The Secret Destiny of America".

An extremely interesting section of the book presents the author's perspective concerning the "Curse of Tutankhamen's Tomb".

In my opinion, this book will not be well received by Christian Fundamentalists and the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, based on the author'frank and historically correct criticism of these two groups.

A short essay on the history of the Taort, speculated to mean literally 'Book of Thoth' or 'Dogma and Ritual of Mercury.' Manley Hall is speculative on many accounts of the origins of the Tarot, whether Egyptian, Gypsie or Eastern. The last 30 pages are pictures of his own Tarot deck designed by him and Augustus Knapp. A nice set, and worth getting themselves, but it seems to take up space as well as a little self advertisement. Also included is pictures of the complete deck of Mantegna which is nice to see.

Only the laughably gullible could be fooled by this mish-mash of twaddle. More apt title would have been Lectures in Ancient Twaddle. Just because it says its philosophical doesn't mean that it is. It has an amusement factor though, especially if read with Foucault's Pendelum, by Umberto Ecco.

As is often the case with Manly Hall, this book is deceptively clear. Much of what he says sounds obvious and easy to understand -- until you put the book down and try to understand the authors he's written about. Then you will find that he has brought a wonderful clarity to the essential truths of ancient philosophy, delivering the heart of wisdom without the encumbrances of academic verbiage. An excellent starting-point for young people interested in the great visionaries of the past, and an enlivening refresher for those bogged down in the tedium of classical philosophic texts.

Well the book was very ...Pruney it didnt make any sense and i just felt Prunish after read ing it. I dont suggest you try to eat or buy this book.