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Books > Mind, Body & Spirit > The Occult > General
The Secret Teachings of All Ages is perhaps the most comprehensive
and complete esoteric encyclopedia ever written. The sheer scope
and ambition of this book are stunning. In this book Manly P. Hall
has successfully distilled the essence of more arcane subjects than
one would think possible. He covers Rosicrucianism and other secret
societies, alchemy, cryptology, Kabbalah, Tarot, pyramids, the
Zodiac, Pythagorean philosophy, Masonry, gemology, Nicholas
Flammel, the identity of William Shakespeare, The Life and
Teachings of Thoth Hermes Trismegistus, The Qabbalah, The Hiramic
Legend, The Tree of the Sephiroth, and Mystic Christianity. There
are more than 200 illustrations included here (and in the trade
paperback edition) many of which have been omitted from other
publisher's editions of this book. This is essential reading for
anyone wishing to explore esoteric knowledge.
Comparing amulets over time and space, this volume focuses on the
function of written words on these fascinating artefacts. Ranging
from Roman Egypt to the Middle Ages and the Modern period, this
book provides an overview on these artefacts in the Mediterranean
world and beyond, including Europe, Iran, and Turkey. A deep
analysis of the textuality of amulets provides comparative
information on themes and structures of the religious traditions
examined. A strong emphasis is placed on the material features of
the amulets and their connections to ritual purposes. The textual
content, as well as other characteristics, is examined
systematically, in order to establish patterns of influence and
diffusion. The question of production, which includes the
relationships that linked professional magicians, artists and
craftsmen to their clientele, is also discussed, as well as the
sacred and cultural economies involved.
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