2022 Reprint of the 1928 edition. Illustrated. Manly P. Hall's exhaustive research concentrates the teachings of nearly six hundred 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. This Martino Fine Books edition is an unabridged republication of the text of the work originally published by H. S. Crocker Co., San Francisco, in 1928. The present edition includes a selection of black and white illustrations inserted between pages 354 and 355. Many of these black and white illustrations are reproduced in color on the front cover, inside front cover, back cover, and inside back cover of this edition, along with main captions. Full descriptions for each color illustration can be found accompanying the black and white illustrations reproduced after page 354.

"A masterful summation of the esoteric teachings of the ages." -Huston Smith, Ph.D., Author, The World's 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

"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