Reviews

Originally published in 1928, this encyclopedia of ancient mythology, symbolism, and arcane mysteries was written when Hall (1901-90), a respected scholar of esoteric traditions and founder of the Philosophical Research Society, was only 27. Now resized and reformatted for ease of understanding, this affordable "reader's edition" retains Hall's original text and bibliography, along with reproductions of the finest illustrations of the original. The work contains hundreds of entries that define everything from "mystery" religions (those with secret lore, legends, and rites) and Pythagorian philosophy to the Qabbalah, the Tarot, alchemy, the Rosicrusians, Islam, and American Indian symbolism. Because Hall was a 33 Freemason, much of the book is devoted to examining how the ancient mysteries have contributed to Masonic symbolism. This classic of the occult must be read with an open mind since many biases of the time are evident. For example, Hall states categorically that Francis Bacon is the real author of Shakespeare's works and that the "true" facts concerning the identity of Jesus are to be found only in the "secret vaults beneath the "Houses of the Brethren." Although none of the secrets of any mystery religion is actually revealed here, its accessible new format will warrant interest among public and academic library patrons.-Kathy Koenig, Ellis Sch., Pittsburgh Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.