Manly Hall

Manly Palmer Hall (1901-1990) was a prolific Canadian author, lecturer, astrologer, and mystic whose extensive career spanned seven decades. He delivered thousands of lectures and published over 150 volumes, with his most famous work being 'The Secret Teachings of All Ages' (1928). In 1934, he established the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to the study of esoteric subjects. Hall's early life in Canada was followed by a move to Los Angeles, where he became deeply involved in mysticism and esoteric philosophies. His career included significant contributions to metaphysical literature and lectures that explored ancient wisdom, mythology, and spiritual traditions. He was also a notable figure in Freemasonry, achieving the 33rd degree.

Financially supported by patrons and later through his own successful publications, Hall traveled extensively, collecting rare books on alchemy and esotericism. His seminal work, 'The Secret Teachings of All Ages,' was a monumental undertaking that aimed to reveal hidden doctrines within ancient symbolism and rituals. This book significantly influenced the metaphysical movement in the United States. Hall's other works delved into topics such as Freemasonry, ancient Egyptian mysteries, and the philosophical underpinnings of America. He also had connections to figures in Hollywood and public life, including Bela Lugosi and Ronald Reagan. The circumstances of his death in 1990 remain a subject of some controversy.

Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, in 1901, Manly Palmer Hall was the son of Louise Antist Hall, a chiropractor and member of the Rosicrucian Fellowship, and William S. Hall, a dentist. Hall reportedly never knew his father. In 1919, he relocated to Los Angeles to join his mother, an event that quickly led him to explore mysticism, esoteric philosophies, and their fundamental principles. This period marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to the study and dissemination of occult and spiritual knowledge.

In 1934, Hall founded the Philosophical Research Society (PRS) in Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study of religion, mythology, metaphysics, and the occult. The PRS continues to operate, housing an extensive research library and publishing metaphysical literature, much of it by Hall. His most renowned publication, 'The Secret Teachings of All Ages' (1928), was a comprehensive exploration of hidden doctrines within ancient symbols, allegories, and rituals, aiming to present esoteric knowledge in a monumental format. This work, along with others like 'The Initiates of the Flame' (1922) and 'The Lost Keys of Freemasonry' (1923), established him as a significant interpreter of ancient wisdom.

Throughout his extensive career, Hall delivered approximately 8,000 lectures globally and authored over 200 books and essays. His talks and writings covered a vast range of subjects, including the secret destiny of America, Plato's prophecies, and the mysteries of Freemasonry. He also contributed to film, writing the original story and narration for the 1938 astrological murder mystery 'When Were You Born.' Hall's work, particularly 'The Secret Destiny of America,' is noted for influencing figures like President Ronald Reagan, who reportedly incorporated some of Hall's ideas and phrasing into his speeches, especially regarding America's spiritual mission.

Hall amassed a significant collection of rare books and manuscripts related to alchemy and esotericism, acquired partly through his travels and a notable auction purchase at Sotheby's. This collection, described as vast and well-informed, was consulted by figures such as Carl G. Jung for his work 'Psychology and Alchemy.' Hall's personal library included first editions of H.P. Blavatsky's works and various alchemical codices. He was also deeply involved in Freemasonry, joining Jewel Lodge in 1954 and progressing through various degrees, culminating in the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite in 1973. His association with Freemasonry and his extensive library contributed to his reputation.

“The greatest knowledge of all time should be available to the twentieth century not only in the one shilling editions of the Bohn Library in small type and shabby binding, but in a book that would be a monument, not merely a coffin. John Henry Nash agreed with me.”