The Secret Teachings of All Ages

The entire theory of the book is diametrically opposed to modern thinking, as it addresses subjects openly mocked by the scholars original: "sophists" of the twentieth century. Its true purpose is to introduce the reader to a way of living that exists completely outside the boundaries of materialistic theology, philosophy, or science. The large amount of complex original: "abstruse" material within these pages cannot be perfectly organized, but related topics have been grouped together as much as possible.

While the English language has many means of expression, it surprisingly lacks the specific terms needed to communicate abstract philosophical concepts. Therefore, a certain intuitive understanding of the deeper meanings hidden within these sometimes inadequate words is necessary to grasp the ancient Mystery Teachings The "Mystery Teachings" refer to the secret religious and philosophical systems of antiquity, such as those of Egypt and Greece, which used symbols to convey spiritual truths..

Although I own most of the items listed in the bibliography in my own library, I wish to gratefully acknowledge the help provided by the Public Libraries of San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Scottish Rite libraries in those same cities, the University of California libraries (Berkeley and Los Angeles), the Mechanics' Library in San Francisco, and the Krotona Theosophical Library in Ojai, California. I also owe special thanks to the following individuals: Mrs. Max Heindel, Mrs. Alice Palmer Henderson, Mr. Ernest Dawson and his staff, Mr. John Howell, Mr. Paul Elder, Mr. Phillip Watson Hackett, and Mr. John R. Ruckstell. I also thank the other individuals and organizations who lent single books.

Translating the source material was the single greatest task in the research for this volume. The necessary

German translations, which took nearly three years, were generously provided by Mr. Alfred Beri, who refused any payment for his work. The Latin, Italian, French, and Spanish translations were completed by Professor Homer P. Earle. The Hebrew text was edited by Rabbi Jacob M. Alkow. Various other individuals assisted with shorter translations and fact-checking.

The editorial work was supervised by Dr. C. B. Rowlingson, whose skill often brought literary order out of chaos. I must also recognize the services of Mr. Robert B. Tummonds of H. S. Crocker Company, Inc., who handled the technical challenges of fitting the text into its assigned layout. I am indebted to Mr. M. M. Saxton for much of the book’s literary style; the entire manuscript was first dictated to him, and he was also responsible for preparing the index. The excellent work of the illustrator, Mr. J. Augustus Knapp, resulted in a series of color plates that significantly enhance the book's beauty and completeness. The printing was managed by Mr. Frederick E. Keast of H. S. Crocker Company, Inc., whose personal dedication was shown through his tireless efforts to improve the book’s quality. Through the gracious cooperation of Dr. John Henry Nash, the most prominent book designer in North America, the book is presented in a unique and—