The Lost Keys of Freemasonry

Rating:
Summary: Interesting but not definitive, reckless with evidence
Review: An attempt to expound upon the deeper meanings of the three blue lodge degrees, this little volume has been a longtime favorite of esoteric Masons. Unfortunately this book is marred by a heavy-handed "I know all the inner work" approach, all the more troubling when we consider that it was written decades before Hall became a Mason. Hall asserts facts about ancient Egypt that cannot be verified by evidence. However, this book represents a distinct philosophy of Masonry that has been very influential in the United States and should not be overlooked by completists or those particularly attracted to trascendentalist / magical interpretations of the Craft. Please bear in mind, though, that esoteric Masons are the first to tell you how important real initiation into the tradition is. That being the case, it would have to be the most supreme coincidence if Hall as someone who had never experienced the degrees other than by reading copies of them, had come to grasp their absolute essence (as suggested by other reviewers here). Also, I would like to think the the finest interpretations of Freemasonry would not rely on fabribated historical information, such as many of the "Egyptian" practices mentioned throughout the text and depicted in the illustrations, for example, in the frontispiece.

Rating:
Summary: Master Masons, buy this book!
Review: Every new Mason should read this book before proceeding to any higher degrees for a true grounding in historic meanings of the blue lodge degrees. an easy read

Rating:
Summary: review from a master mason
Review: i just read this book and really enjoyed it. it can get a little dry at times, but the overall content is excellent. i think this book will help all newly made masons to understand the craft.

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for new Masons, 3rd degree or not
Review: If you're a Master Mason, you should have read or be reading this book. If you're a new Mason but not a Master yet, you should read this book. It discusses the symbolism of the degrees and a bit of the meaning of each stage of becoming a Master Mason. It puts Freemasonry and the degrees in a light you probably won't get otherwise but every Master Mason should experience. The more you read, the more Masonry will mean to you and the more you'll understand about Masonry.

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for new Masons, 3rd degree or not
Review: If you're a Master Mason, you should have read or be reading this book. If you're a new Mason but not a Master yet, you should read this book. It discusses the symbolism of the degrees and a bit of the meaning of each stage of becoming a Master Mason. It puts Freemasonry and the degrees in a light you probably won't get otherwise but every Master Mason should experience. The more you read, the more Masonry will mean to you and the more you'll understand about Masonry.

Rating:
Summary: One interpretation of Masonry that leaves a huge question!
Review: Manly Hall is likely well known to readers of esoterica and other philosophical works. It has been mentioned here as well that he wrote this, what many Masons believe to be a definitive esoteric take on the fundamental import of the Fraternity, decades before he experienced the Masonic degrees himself. Does this disqualify? I lean in that direction, as a Freemason myself, who has always thought you must experience such things to begin to understand such things. But, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, because, Mr. Hall's explanation of the meaning of the degrees, and previous mystic experiences, is one that seems quite valid as an interpretation and really more than valid, even highly inspiring and noble. Which begs the question: If the reader accepts the book's posited premise that Freemasonry is so fundamentally important to the spiritual regeneration of mankind, why on earth then, pray tell, would we purposely exclude one-half of the world's population (i.e., women) from experiencing it firsthand? Aha. Well, then, perhaps we are 'just' a men's social organization with the noble aim of advancing the cause of virtue by the study and practice of moral philosophy, ecumenical harmony, fellowship and civic charity, after all. And that's just fine for millions of Masons, as it should be. Read this book however, as well as W. L. Wilmshursts "The Meaning of Masonry" for interesting, one person's philosophical views on the meaning behing the most misunderstood, yet storied and admirable Fraternity in history.

Rating:
Summary: The Essence of Masonic Initiation / Ancient Origins
Review: Manly P. Hall (33rd degree Mason & founder of The Philosophical Research Society) gives us an illuminating, poetically written treatise on the origins of Ancient Masonry and the underlying, meaning of much Masonic Symbolism and practice. Hall's book is a poetic read, that can be consumed in one sitting, yet will be read and refered to many times again. He details some of the spiritual aspects of the hidden meanings of Masonry and the ancient origins from-which the modern fraternity receives it's wisdom. The Foreward is by Reynold E. Blight, 33rd degree, K.T. & the illustrations are by J. Augustus Knapp, 32nd degree.... Obviously, this man is viewed as a Great, within the ranks of the Fraternity. You will treasure this book and feel uplifted, each time you open the cover and read a random sentence or paragraph. You will learn the true reasons why a man should petition for admission into the Honorable Masonic Lodge....not for personal advancement--but, for advancement of the human race.

Rating:
Summary: The Essence of Masonic Initiation / Ancient Origins
Review: Manly P. Hall (33rd degree Mason & founder of The Philosophical Research Society) gives us an illuminating, poetically written treatise on the origins of Ancient Masonry and the underlying, meaning of much Masonic Symbolism and practice. Hall's book is a poetic read, that can be consumed in one sitting, yet will be read and refered to many times again. He details some of the spiritual aspects of the hidden meanings of Masonry and the ancient origins from-which the modern fraternity receives it's wisdom. The Foreward is by Reynold E. Blight, 33rd degree, K.T. & the illustrations are by J. Augustus Knapp, 32nd degree.... Obviously, this man is viewed as a Great, within the ranks of the Fraternity. You will treasure this book and feel uplifted, each time you open the cover and read a random sentence or paragraph. You will learn the true reasons why a man should petition for admission into the Honorable Masonic Lodge....not for personal advancement--but, for advancement of the human race.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: Manly P. Hall was not yet a Mason when he wrote this book, and yet he was able to clearly see the very essence of the Craft, and what it has come to mean in modern times. This is a beautiful essay which has inspired me to go back to my lodge after many years. It is deeply moving for those who have the eyes to see what they are reading, and a must-read for any Freemason.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: Manly P. Hall was not yet a Mason when he wrote this book, and yet he was able to clearly see the very essence of the Craft, and what it has come to mean in modern times. This is a beautiful essay which has inspired me to go back to my lodge after many years. It is deeply moving for those who have the eyes to see what they are reading, and a must-read for any Freemason.