Manly P. Hall’s exhaustive research concentrates the teachings of nearly 600 distinguished authorities on religion and philosophy, bringing to you an interpretation of the themes underlying the ancient mythology, philosophy, religion, rituals, and arcane mysteries of all ages. Designed by Manly Hall and J. Henry Nash, this unique volume can be treasured and passed on as an heirloom with the assurance that its in-depth studies of some forty ancient and modern systems of spiritual development.

This edition is smaller than the original folio-sized version and contains 54 full-color plates by illustrator J. Augustus Knapp, with over 200 black & white illustrations, an extensive bibliography, and a complete index.

"The book is like unto a door – a gate, in some old sanctuary, containing within it a wealth of imagery; a wealth of mysteries, designs and figures. When you have wandered therein you might say to yourself: 'I wish I had a guide to tell me what these things mean.' And you will find your guide to be your own rational soul."
-Manly P. Hall, Lecture on Esotericism and Exotericism, 1928

“Manly Hall’s great work is a classic in the world’s literature. It will guide historians, philosophers, and lay seekers of esoteric wisdom for centuries.”
-Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D., Apollo 14 Astronaut

“A masterful summation of the esoteric teachings of the ages.”
-Huston Smith, Ph.D., Author, The Worlds Religions

“Into this volume has been compressed the quintessence of a colossal learning. It is a living human document, pulsating with the mental and spiritual vibrations of a profound thinker who takes knowledge for his province and reduces whole libraries to a single tome.”
-George Barron, Curator of the De Young Museum of San Francisco

“Simply put, this is the most beautiful and complete occult book ever published. It represents a lifetime of research into the mythology, symbolism, and magical practices of countless cultures. From the secrets of Isis to the teachings of mystic Christianity, nearly every occult dogma imaginable is represented here…this is the definitive guide to secret societies, famous figures, and more—a must for every personal library.”
-Llewellyn New Times

"This volume reveals that the lore and legend of the world, the scriptures and sacred books, and the great philosophical systems all tell the same story. Human ambition may produce the tyrant; divine aspirations will produce the adept.”
-Henry L. Drake (The Philosophical Research Society)

Manly Palmer Hall (1901-1990), was a Canadian-born scholar and philosopher. He began his public career in the related fields of philosophy and comparative religion at the age of nineteen and devoted his life to teaching, writing, and lecturing without interruption for over half a century.

Hall travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Central America, and assembled a magnificent library. He gave nearly seven thousand different lectures and talks and appeared on numerous radio and television stations throughout the United States. He wrote over thirty-five books, scores of essays, and hundreds of articles.