Manly Palmer Hall

 (March  18, 1901 – August 29, 1990) was a Canadian-born author, lecturer, and  mystic known for his extensive work in comparative religion, philosophy,  and esoteric traditions. Over a career spanning seven decades, he  delivered thousands of lectures and published over 150 works. His most  famous book, *The Secret Teachings of All Ages* (1928), is an  encyclopedic study of ancient symbolism, mystery traditions, and  spiritual philosophies. This work gained him widespread recognition and  established him as a leading figure in the study of metaphysics and the  occult.

Hall was born in Peterborough,  Ontario, to Louise Palmer Hall, a chiropractor and Rosicrucian  Fellowship member, and William S. Hall, a dentist. He reportedly never  knew his father. In 1919, he moved to Los Angeles, California, to live  with his mother. Soon after his arrival, he developed a deep interest in  mysticism and esoteric knowledge, which led him to study various  religious and philosophical traditions.

His early career saw him  becoming the preacher for the Church of the People in Los Angeles in  1919. By 1923, he was ordained as a minister and became the church’s  permanent pastor. During this period, he wrote several books, including  *The Initiates of the Flame* (1922) and *The Lost Keys of Freemasonry*  (1923), which explored mystical and symbolic traditions in Western  esotericism.

In 1928, Hall published *The  Secret Teachings of All Ages*, a massive volume that covered topics  ranging from alchemy, Kabbalah, and Rosicrucianism to the teachings of  ancient civilizations and secret societies. The book was well-received,  cementing Hall’s reputation as a scholar of ancient wisdom. Following  this success, he continued to publish extensively, producing works such  as *The Secret Destiny of America* (1944), which suggested that the  United States was founded on mystical principles, and *Meditation  Symbols in Eastern & Western Mysticism* (1988).

In 1934, Hall founded the  Philosophical Research Society (PRS) in Los Angeles, a nonprofit  institution dedicated to the study of religion, philosophy, and  mysticism. PRS became a center for research and education, housing a  vast library and hosting lectures on a wide range of spiritual and  philosophical topics. The society remains active today, continuing  Hall’s mission of promoting intellectual and spiritual exploration.

Hall’s personal life included  two marriages. His first marriage, to Fay B. deRavenne in 1930, ended  tragically with her suicide in 1941. He later married Marie Schweikert  Bauer in 1950, and they remained together until his death. Hall was also  involved in Freemasonry; he was initiated into the order in 1954 and  attained the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite in 1973.

Manly P. Hall passed away on  August 29, 1990, in Los Angeles, California. His teachings continue to  influence scholars, spiritual seekers, and students of esotericism  worldwide. His writings and lectures remain widely studied, and the  Philosophical Research Society preserves his legacy by making his work  accessible to new generations.

References:

1. [Manly P. Hall - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manly_P._Hall)

2. [Philosophical Research Society](https://www.prs.org/manly-p-hall.html)