The Secret Teachings of All Ages is an illustrated esoteric reference work written by Manly Palmer Hall in 1928. It is considered one of the leading books on Western esotericism.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including ancient mythology, mystery religions, alchemy, tarot, symbolism, and occult traditions.
Hall presents this material through his own broad synthesis of Western esoteric traditions. The work remains influential in modern occult literature.
This book is illustrated with original drawings to help the reader understand the complex concepts.
"There are, however, but few mature minds in the world; and thus it was that the philosophic-religious doctrines of the pagans were divided to meet the needs of these two fundamental groups of human intellect--one philosophic, the other incapable of appreciating the deeper mysteries of life."
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was legally published within the United States before 1964, and copyright was not renewed.
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Copyright note. The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Secret Teachings of All Ages in PDF or EPUB.
98 years later, still timely
An illustrated tour of symbols—from pyramids to tarot—written like a cabinet of curiosities. Hall’s encyclopedia is sprawling, eccentric, and a gateway to seeing how images organize belief across cultures.
Design, film, and games speak symbol fluently; this tome supplies context. Read it critically: admire the synthesis, check the claims, and use it as a starting map. Ideal for artists, historians, and curious readers building visual literacy.
Treat it as a guide to traditions; verify specifics with primary sources.
Emblems, animals, and geometry show how meaning travels through art.
A panoramic index for further study across eras and mythologies.
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