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The Wisdom of the Ancients

The classic encyclopedia of the arcane in an expanded edition

Renowned philosopher and lecturer Manly P. Hall’s masterful encyclopedia of ancient symbols, hidden rituals, and arcane practices has remained a classic since first published in 1928. Hall’s densely detailed writings explore topics ranging from Hermeticism to Tarot, Egyptian mythology to Pythagorean theory. Each chapter is accompanied by the vivid illustrations of artist J. Augustus Knapp, with additional images by Mihran Serailian found in the companion volume, each taking their own unique approach to nearly 60 artworks depicting occult subject matter.

The initial concept for what became known as Hall’s “Great Book”, first began in 1923 when the young Los Angeles-based orator began a months-long trip around the globe. Circumnavigating by ship, Hall visited Egypt, China and India, immersing himself in the philosophical and religious history of each country. Upon his return he spent the next five years penning his massive compendium of philosophy and myth.

Nearly a century after its release, this iconic masterwork has been reproduced for the first time from the rare and extravagant original edition. This meticulously-restored version of Hall’s “Great Book” is also accompanied by an expansive companion book, featuring condensed summaries of each chapter of The Secret Teachings, alongside newly-discovered artworks, rare photography from Hall’s archives as well as essays from journalists Mitch Horowitz and Jessica Hundley.

The four special edition prints were selected from the many artworks originally created for the first edition of The Secret Teachings of All Ages. Rarely seen and only recently discovered in the archives at the Philosophical Research Society, these works were first commissioned by Manly P. Hall and were created by his frequent artistic collaborators, J.A. Knapp and M.K. Serailian.

Hardcover with fold-outs in slipcase, 13.2 x 18.7 in., 356 pages, with companion book, 9.4 x 7.4 in., 256 pages, both with leatherette-bound spine and gold foil embossing; 4 prints in a portfolio, each 13.2 x 18.7 in

Author: Manly P. Hall
Publisher: Taschen
Page Count: 356pp, 256pp
Size: 13.25 x 18.75 x 2.25
Notes: hardcover, full color, slipcased, 2 volumes, 4 print portfolio, numbered
Edition: 5,000
Date of Publication: January 2023
ISBN: 978-3836594462