The Secret Teachings of All Ages. 1928. Fifth Edition. Numbered Edition.

Publisher: Los Angeles: The Philosophical Research Society, 1928.

Elephant folio [19 x 13 inches]

(6), CCXLV, (2)

[English]

Very Good

This gigantic and beautiful book is considered by many to be Manly P. Hall’s defining achievement and one of the most influential works in 20th century occult publishing. Hall brought together an enormous range of material covering Hermeticism, alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Kabbalah, mythology, symbolism, ancient religions, and esoteric philosophy into a single work at a time when much of this information was still relatively obscure to the average reader. For many people throughout the 20th century, this book became their first real exposure to subjects and traditions they otherwise may have never encountered. The Secret Teachings of All Ages contains 54 full-page color illustrations, two of which are large folding plates, along with more than 200 additional black-and-white in-text illustrations.

The first runs of this work printed in 1928 are the only editions produced on the high-quality Alexander Japan 100-point basis paper manufactured by the Strathmore Paper Company. The production of this edition reportedly required the largest order of Alexander Japan Paper ever placed in America at that time. The beginning of each chapter is decorated with specially cut dual-colored Renaissance-style illuminated initials. The color plates in the 1928 edition were produced in full process colors including red, yellow, blue, and black, with several requiring additional special-order colors including gold and silver. Included are two large folding illustrations measuring approximately 29 x 19 inches: The Bembine Table of Isis and the Rosicrucian Formula.

Half-bound in baby goat vellum over heavy boards with vellum tipped corners and decorative Ceylon-designed Batik paper sides and matching endpapers. Housed in the original wooden slipcase covered in matching Batik paper. This copy is numbered 837 of 800 copies printed, suggesting it may have been one of the copies produced beyond the formal print run, likely intended for presentation, distribution, or publisher use.

It is in Very Good condition. The binding remains solid and internally the pages are exceptionally clean with no notable blemishes beyond mild toning to the endpapers. The spine shows fading and staining and most of the title pastedown is lacking. There is slight chipping in places along the front edge of the rear board and a small area of loss to the rear board where it meets the vellum. The original wooden slipcase is in Good+ condition with rubbing and scattered losses along the edges, including a small area of loss to the front panel, though it remains fully intact and structurally sound.