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Summary: Only the beginning
Review: This beautiful book introduces the reader into the incredible variety of manifestations that were used in the past to transmit the secret doctrine of the awakening of the consciousness. But Mr. Hall was not authorized to reveal the secrets themselves, and without the keys this book will remain an enigma to even the most well-read student. However, there came a man who was authorized to reveal the inner teachings, in order that all who want to awaken the consciousness may do so while there is still time. The essential text that contains this knowledge is The Perfect Matrimony by V.M. Samael Aun Weor.
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Summary: INVITATION TO THE MYSTERIES
Review: This book changed my life. It introduced me to a more profound way of approching "religion" problems and inconsistencies. The book first overviews the prevailing materialistic philosophies, and then outlines the elements of secret knowledge residing in what might otherwise appear to be but psychological archetypes in the mythic tradition, the misunderstanding of which has given rise to materialistic philosophy. But there is indeed more to our western traditions than is generally realized. Inside the myths and allegories of all ages is a truth that very few appreciate. This book outlines in lucid detail, those truths that the world desperately needs, and that have been destroyed by time, wars and arrogance, and consolidates them under one cover. The books physical beauty alone makes it one of the most impressive books ever published. The plates make great meditation mandalas. The bibliography list is devoted to source works that have been neglected--many still not in print or even translated. To actually read the book is equivalent to a college course in the mysteries systems of antiquity, which were indeed the first schools in the historical record. The book is but an outline focusing on the "occidental" mysteries..but a very profound one. Not since the Secret Doctrine of Blavatsky had a book so comprehensibly melded the western tradition. And not since has a book come close to this one, first published in 1928.
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Summary: If you like this sort of thing, how could you do better?
Review: This book is highly-priced; there was a $30.00 version. I bought the $500.00 (yes, five hundred) signed, limited edition. That's how much I thought of Manly P. Hall. He was a great scholar, and also had the great pleasure of hearing him speak at the Philosophical Research Society in 1990, shortly before his death.Having read classical and comparative philosophy and religion for nearly 20 years, I think you really cannot do better than this book. You might want to look for a more economical version, but my understanding is that the illustrations are very attractive in this edition. If you appreciate Joseph Campbell, but wish to pursue the more mystical side of religion, Manly P. Hall is an excellent resource. Whereas Campbell was a self-proclaimed "maverick" with no particular allegiance to any one form of religion, Manly P. Hall was a 33 degree Freemason, and clearly was sympathetic to the notion that at one time in our history there was a system of mystery religions in which invocation of deities was practiced, and actually achieved. (Classic example, if memory serves, being Plutarch's tale of the invocation of the Neoplatonist Plotinus' guardian angel in the Temple of Isis in Rome by an Egyptian priest.) If you are sympathetic to "the old religions", and want a sympathetic scholarly accounting, - again, it is hard for me to imagine how you could do better than buying this book.
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Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: This book is the most complete about esoterism writed still this date. Wonderful color plates. A rare book.
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Summary: the schizznit
Review: This book is the schizznit. I'm talkin' crazy stuff son. all types of stuff bout pythagoras and masons. check dis out word is bond.
peace
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Summary: excellent compendium for occult philosophy
Review: this book of mystery and occult history has the most impressive collection of information i have ever seen. I bought a hard-cover copy in leather at an old book store in New York. Many hard critics say that it is only an encyclopedia of facts. But I would disagree because it neatly compiles information. The diagrams, which are on the small side, can be at least form part of one's jumping board toward getting at the legitimate signs and diagrams of occultism itself. I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in the mysteries of knowledge and also to those are interested in bridging the gaps that the West has failed to bring together.
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Summary: Outstanding piece of work, but an encyclopedia none the less
Review: This is a collossal work, and provides a wealth of information on the different esoteric teachings and mystery schools from the past.
However, don't expect to find anything on contemporary esoteric orders.
I found the work to be a bit too speculative at times, not giving enough facts. Moreover, the book has a very distinct 'We, the freemasons' kind of feeling, which in my opinion hampers the objectivity of the work.
Except for the big plates at the beginning of each chapter, the numerous diagrams presented here are usually printed too small to meditate upon, which is the only serious flaw. In short, as the title says, it is an encyclopedia, but nothing more. For in depth information concerning esoteric teachings, look elsewhere.
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Summary: Impractical
Review: This is a huge, heavy, glossy, impressive looking book. The print is tiny, as tiny as it gets. And the illustrations and footnotes, which are extensive and constant, are even tinier print. I have 20/20 eyesight but still could not read this book without uncomfortable effort. So how about the value of the content? Couldn't tell you. Wanna buy mine?
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Summary: Misguided
Review: This is a well written book, full of information. However, I find Mr. Hall to be un-enlightened. I don't think anyone will find any secrets here.
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Summary: Encyclopedic review of Esoteric systems
Review: 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.
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