Customer comments on this selection.
 Interesting but long
My main concern is the objectivity of the author, and how his affiliations affected the material that was available to him.
beautiful but dated
This new edition of Hall's masterwork is one of the most complete, informative, absorbing and well-illustrated volume covering western philosophy, mysticism, and religious and occult thought, but it is in drastic need of some updating.
Hall's general thesis is that in following a materialistic path, western man is turning his back on a history rich in thought, tradition, beauty and revelation; that all of this is to some degree related through symbology. As such, he builds up, in chapter after chapter, the various individual strands, and in this way one can see how the rich inheritance of western thought, worship, belief and practice were built up.
Besides mythology, philosophy and religion which eventually leads to kabbalah, magic, and freemasonry, Hall takes a number of detours through animist practices, animals, plant life, etc. Some of the chapters are much more interesting than others, and some are badly dated, with material that is either now demonstrably false or has been largely debunked. But Hall is no longer with us to revise the text, and the whole book is now considered such a classic in this form that it will likely never be altered.
Finally, there are the illustrations. If you buy this book, make sure you are getting a color copy and not the black and white; further, there are many editions where the print has been reduced and the pages are simply facsimiles of the original work, page by page. The original plates are in many cases (not all) gorgeous, rich in symbology, massive works, in particular of alchemical or magical themes. (One wonders what todays Islamists would think about the portrayal of Muhammed.) They repay hours and hours of careful study.
If the book would be brought up to date it would be worth a solid 5 stars. Still highly recommended.
 The greatest.
This book is one of the greatest books I've ever read. It informs you on so much history concerning the origins of theology. It explains the meanings behind the allegorical stories told in the Bible. The book also explains the mysteryies of Freemasonry and it also explains why the fraternity was established in the first place. If you want spiritual growth then this book is for you. WARNING: This book may be too advanced for people just starting on life's journey.
A Indispensible Volume for Anyone
This is amazingly insightful book, well worth the money and the time that you'll put into it. The facts are great, the images, symbolism, explanations are all great and are made simple to understand. The only reason I rated this a 4 rather than a 5 is because of the Author. Obviously Manly P Hall was fairly brilliant, but some of his assumptions and oppinions are questionable. Read for the facts and you wont be dissapointed.
Most interesing history book you will ever read
This is a complete compendium on the history of occult and esoteric knowledge written by a notable expert in the field. Hall leaves no stone unturned as you delve deep into the mysteries and belief systems of various ancient cultures. I had to read the chapter on Hermes twice in an attempt to fully grasp the depth of what I was reading. No agenda or proselytizing here, just an exciting and enlightening history lesson that you won't get in college.
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