Customer Reviews

The Lost Keys of Freemasonry

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you're a Master Mason, you should have read or be reading this book. If you're a new Mason but not a Master yet, you should read this book. It discusses the symbolism of the degrees and a bit of the meaning of each stage of becoming a Master Mason. It puts Freemasonry and the degrees in a light you probably won't get otherwise but every Master Mason should experience. The more you read, the more Masonry will mean to you and the more you'll understand about Masonry.

Every new Mason should read this book before proceeding to any higher degrees for a true grounding in historic meanings of the blue lodge degrees. an easy read

Manly P. Hall (33rd degree Mason & founder of The Philosophical Research Society) gives us an illuminating, poetically written treatise on the origins of Ancient Masonry and the underlying, meaning of much Masonic Symbolism and practice. Hall's book is a poetic read, that can be consumed in one sitting, yet will be read and refered to many times again. He details some of the spiritual aspects of the hidden meanings of Masonry and the ancient origins from-which the modern fraternity receives it's wisdom. The Foreward is by Reynold E. Blight, 33rd degree, K.T. & the illustrations are by J. Augustus Knapp, 32nd degree.... Obviously, this man is viewed as a Great, within the ranks of the Fraternity. You will treasure this book and feel uplifted, each time you open the cover and read a random sentence or paragraph. You will learn the true reasons why a man should petition for admission into the Honorable Masonic Lodge....not for personal advancement--but, for advancement of the human race.

i just read this book and really enjoyed it. it can get a little dry at times, but the overall content is excellent. i think this book will help all newly made masons to understand the craft.

This book will short cut a life time of learning and add so much to the understanding of the Masonic Order.. And absolute must for all M. M.

Manly Hall is likely well known to readers of esoterica and other philosophical works. It has been mentioned here as well that he wrote this, what many Masons believe to be a definitive esoteric take on the fundamental import of the Fraternity, decades before he experienced the Masonic degrees himself. Does this disqualify? I lean in that direction, as a Freemason myself, who has always thought you must experience such things to begin to understand such things. But, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, because, Mr. Hall's explanation of the meaning of the degrees, and previous mystic experiences, is one that seems quite valid as an interpretation and really more than valid, even highly inspiring and noble. Which begs the question: If the reader accepts the book's posited premise that Freemasonry is so fundamentally important to the spiritual regeneration of mankind, why on earth then, pray tell, would we purposely exclude one-half of the world's population (i.e., women) from experiencing it firsthand? Aha. Well, then, perhaps we are 'just' a men's social organization with the noble aim of advancing the cause of virtue by the study and practice of moral philosophy, ecumenical harmony, fellowship and civic charity, after all. And that's just fine for millions of Masons, as it should be. Read this book however, as well as W. L. Wilmshursts "The Meaning of Masonry" for interesting, one person's philosophical views on the meaning behing the most misunderstood, yet storied and admirable Fraternity in history.

Manly P. Hall was not yet a Mason when he wrote this book, and yet he was able to clearly see the very essence of the Craft, and what it has come to mean in modern times. This is a beautiful essay which has inspired me to go back to my lodge after many years. It is deeply moving for those who have the eyes to see what they are reading, and a must-read for any Freemason.

This book is awesome! If you are a mason, or soon to be one, then this is for you. This book covers a lot of ancient things regarding the craft that I have never read anywhere else. If you are interested at all in the history of this great fraternity then this is a must for you're collection. I couldn't put it down! Buy it, you won't regret!

Fraternally..

Ole' Manly Hall must've mixed his medications the day he cranked this baby out. You just know he was one of those guys who sat around during the 60's trying to figure out how to play Beatles albums backwards. Incredibly disappointing, particularly when compared to his Secret Teachings of All Ages. These Keys should've stayed lost. Avoid at all cost.

This is an inspired work by Manly Hall. It should be read more than once to truly absorb all of the symbolism and meaning. Another great book by this author is: 'Freemasons and Rosicrucians - the Enlightened' which actually includes 'The Lost Keys of Freemasonry' in the book. Great collection! Freemasons and Rosicrucians - the Enlightened