The Lost Keys of Masonry: The Legend of Hiram Abiff

6W Manly Hall. Los Angeles: Hall Publishing Co., 1924. Second Edition.

Notes

The Lost Keys of Masonry: The Legend of Hiram Abiff, first published in 1923, is a philosophical and symbolic exploration of one of the central allegories within Masonic tradition, written by Manly P. Hall. The book focuses on the figure of Hiram Abiff, the legendary master builder of Solomon’s Temple, whose story is used within Freemasonry as a moral and spiritual teaching. Hall interprets this legend as an allegory of personal transformation, integrity, and the search for inner truth, suggesting that the narrative represents the journey of the individual toward enlightenment. Rather than a historical account, the work presents Masonry as a system of symbolic instruction rooted in ancient philosophical traditions.

Manly Palmer Hall (1901–1990) was a noted philosopher and writer on esoteric subjects, whose work sought to uncover the deeper meanings behind religious, mythological, and fraternal symbols. Although he authored The Lost Keys of Freemasonry before becoming a Mason himself, the book helped establish his reputation as a leading interpreter of symbolic traditions. His writings, including The Secret Teachings of All Ages, reflect a broad interest in comparative religion and mystical philosophy. This work remains one of his most accessible introductions to the symbolic and allegorical dimensions associated with Freemasonry and its enduring traditions.

Description

Royal blue canvas binding with gilt lettering to upper board and spine. Sun fading to spine. Frayed edges to head and foot of spine. Illustrations throughout. Bookplate paste down to interior cover. Fine condition.