The Secret History of America: Classic Writings on Our Nation's Unknown Past and Inner Purpose

by Manly P. Hall, Mitch Horowitz (Introduction)

A compilation of rare works on the untold history and destiny of America by acclaimed occult writer Manly P. Hall.

Writer and scholar Manly P. Hall (1901-1990) is one of the most significant names in the study of the esoteric, symbolic, and occult. His legendary book The Secret Teachings of All Ages has been an underground classic since its publication in 1928. The Secret History of America expands on that legacy, offering a collection of Hall’s works―from books and journals to transcriptions of his lectures―all relating to the hidden past and unfolding future of our nation.

Hall believed that America was gifted with a unique purpose to explore and share principles of personal freedom, self-governance, and independent thought. PEN Award-winning historian, Mitch Horowitz has curated a powerful collection of Hall’s most influential and insightful works that capture and explore these ideas. Never before collected in one volume, the material in The Secret History of America explores the rich destiny, unseen history, and hidden meaning of America.

Genres: History, Occult, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Audiobook, Conspiracy Theories

288 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2019

About the author

Canadian born, Manly Palmer Hall is the author of over 150 published works, the best known of which are Initiates of the Flame, The Story of Healing, The Divine Art,Aliens Magick and Sorcery The Secret Teachings of All Ages, and An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy.
He was also the author of a masonic curiosity, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry in 1923, more than thirty years before he joined a lodge. The preface of later editions states "At the time I wrote this slender volume, I had just passed my twenty-first birthday, and my only contact with Freemasonry was through a few books commonly available to the public." Later, in 1944, he wrote The Secret Destiny of America which popularized the myth of a masonic purpose for the founding of the USA. In 1950 he weighed in again on the meaning of Freemasonry with his booklet: Masonic Orders of Fraternity.
***
Initiated: June 28, 1954
Passed: September 20, 1954
Raised November 22, 1954
Jewel Lodge No. 374
Source: Grand Lodge of California records ; William R. Denslow, 10,000 Famous Freemasons, vol. ii. Trenton, MO. : Missouri Lodge of Research / Educational Bureau, Royal Arch Mason Magazine, 1958. p. 165.

Reviews

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though it’s not what I expected. I thought it would be more narrative driven regarding the founding of our country behind the scenes with stories I have never heard before. Though there was a little of that in this book, specifically the mysterious speaker at the signing of the declaration, as well as the mysterious Professor that helped design the first flag, I would warn future readers that a goodly portion of the book is dedicated to the Iroquois league and their spiritual/political beliefs. The second half of the book was broken into smaller vignettes highlighting Americans with esotericism running through their blood and how it may have affected culture in America e.g. Ben Franklin, Albert Pike, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Andrew Jackson Davis, etc.

Not a completely thrilling read, but I did learn some new things, so 4 stars it is.

[Alec G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Esoteric thought blended with a history lesson. I must say, don't take everything within at face value. I don't know enough about Manly P Hall to state whether what he presents is well researched or pure speculation, but I tended to stay skeptical throughout.

Starts with some insights into the cultures and societies on the Western continents before European contact. The second part of the book gets into the founding of the country. It finishes with some essays on important figures from the past few centuries.

This book makes a good stepping stone to other thinkers and topics. There are some stories presented that I plan to investigate further, and a couple of the people mentioned deserve a deeper look.

[Quinton · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some sweeping statements that smacked of supposition - particularly as the author didn't provide any supporting evidence. So take it with a pinch of salt and do some of your own research.

Here is one line that made me wonder and then the research I did.
"the modern Egyptian has no blood relationship to the older dynastic period."

This statement from the book was written somewhere around 1944 before DNA had been sequenced even. Next, I do a search on the internet for the DNA history of Egypt and find a study published in 2017 by an international team of scientists led by researchers from the University of Tuebingen and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Jena. A summary of this report from a news site - "Ancient Egyptians and their modern counterparts share less in common than you might think. That is, at least genetically, a team of scientists have found."

Wow - so this broad unsubstantiated claim was not untrue. Fascinating.

And this describes this book - fascinating. I learned much history of the native American populations.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My goal going into this book was to learn something and to that end the book is very effective and is good. What I did not like was Mr. Hall's political perspective about how to heal the ills of America. I wholeheartedly disagree with his political ideology and believe that had he been alive today, his opinion would evolve to disagree with himself from a different time in history. I also did not like his historical perspective on European contact with native Americans. It was very one-sided and contributes to the ill-informed historical bizarreness of postmodernist and CRT thought. I enjoyed learning about the great peacemaker and Mr. Emerson. I don't think I would recommend this book to anybody, but I'm glad I read it.

[Michael Weber · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is filled with incredible facts and Manly P. Hall was obviously a very knowledgeable man illustrated nicely in this book. Problem I had was each chapter is an article, or a speech of his and they are in no particular order as far as I can tell. Most of the facts/history is about ancient civilizations (Aztecs, Incas etc.) groups (freemasons, masons) and the native americans here in the united states prior to America becoming America and that history is nothing short of amazing.

An immense amount of words I didn't know which made the book very difficult reading for me as I had to find the meaning of these words in order to make sense of that paragraph & the next in many cases.

Loved the history not the format.

[Danny Riordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes. This was my first (and last) Manly P Hall. I was expecting Ralph Waldo Emerson, but got L Ron Hubbard instead. There was little philosophy and mostly apocryphal stories of mysterious figures that were shaping history. The part that really made me hate it was the essay praising Albert Pike, who upon further research was a Klan member and white supremacist.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

By nature, it is ironic to even consider that Manly P. Hall, one of modern times most well-known Gnostics, Secret Society members, and Freemasons would ever genuinely reveal the 'Secret History of America' as this book is entitled and suggests.

Overall, the book is a disappointment, only providing vague and generic historical claims as to the foundation of America, and its true purpose as a country.

The spirit and theme of the book is steeped in Humanism, seeking the 'perfection of man' through the path of ancient philosophers and pagan cultures.

It is only when Hall turns to the symbiology of the 'Great Seal' of the United States and references 'God', that the foundation behind his true beliefs as a Master Freemason as well as those of the Freemason founding fathers of America begins to be revealed.

It is important to note that the God of the Bible, The Most High, The One True God and Creator of Heaven and Earth's actual name is not 'God'...The Almighty and One True God's name is 'YAHUAH' (do your own research...'Fossilized Customs' by Lew White is a good place to start)...The word 'God' or 'god' is merely a noun/pronoun and can be used to refer to 'any' being of supernatural powers or attributes, believed in and worshiped by a people...The Bible makes this fact clear as it directly refers to Satan as 'the god of this world' (2 Corinthians 4:4) ...It is part of the nature of Gnosticism that the truth should be hidden and known only by select 'enlightened' ones or secret societies, so Hall's references to 'God' should always be interpreted through this lens...The god of Freemasonry at its highest levels is 'Lucifer' the 'light-bearer'...As well-known Freemason and Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, Scottish Rite (Southern Jurisdiction), Albert Pike clearly states in his writings - 'Lucifer is God'.

This is directly reflected in the symbiology of the 'Great Seal' of the United States when Hall explains the image of the Pyramid topped by the 'all-seeing eye of God'...This image comes directly from the culture of ancient Egypt, where instead of symbolizing the Christian God of the Bible, the all-seeing eye here actually symbolizes the 'Eye of Horus' which is a direct representation of Satan or 'Lucifer' as god and the ruler of the the nations.

I could go on and on with many other examples, but a statement by Hall in his final chapter of 'The Secret History of America' reveals the real truth and purpose behind all of the humanistic, Luciferian, idealism it promotes when he concludes that "'all learning be consecrated to the supreme end that man become as the gods, knowing good and evil"'...That is a direct quote from the Serpent Satan to Eve in The Garden of Eden when he deceived her to rebel from The Most High and said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5

This is the true 'Secret' behind Freemasonry and other 'Secret' Societies: Their 'secret' (to their own destruction), is that they have chosen to follow Lucifer as the 'light-bearer' and their god, openly rejecting The Father, our Saviour, YAHUAH, and our Creator...The One and Only True God.

[Grady Ormsby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eight years ago, I read The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manley P. Hall. It is a fascinating and masterful compendium of the esoteric teachings of all time. I was greatly impressed with Hall’s clarity and scholarship. I was therefore excited when I stumbled across a copy of his The Secret History of America. It is a collection of sixteen previously published essays (some are chapters from The Secret Teachings, others are from lectures) edited by Mitch Horowitz and published in 2019. Hall died in 1990.

The essays are divided into three sections. Part One is “Ancient Origins” and concerns Pre-Colombian societies, the Iroquois Confederacy, Native American ritualism and symbolism. There is even an article supposing discovery of America by the Chinese! “Part Two: American Destiny” has essays about transcendentalism and mysticism. “Part Three: Iconic Eminences” are biographical sketches of, among others, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the American spiritualist, Andrew Jackson Davis.

Hall pays a great deal of attention to Freemasonry and its teachings which include morality, charity, obedience to the law of the land, maximizing human potential, cooperation, integrity, friendship, respect, brotherly love, and truth. It seems that these are pretty much the values expressed or implied in our Constitution. Hall, however, was unable to convince me that there is necessarily a direct cause and effect relationship between the two. Moreover, any discussion involving Freemasonry can be problematic. Because there is such embedded secrecy, it is inevitable that rumor and misinformation fill the gaps.

The Secret History of America is well-researched by a scholar but there are some a priori assumptions. He seems to think, for example, that most everyone accepts the Atlantis myths at face value. I, for one, however, am still waiting for more empirical, geological or archeological evidence. There are other historic linkages, quietism, folk mysticism, pietism, and the Ancient Mystical Order of Rosae Crucis that seem rather tenuous to me.

It was an interesting read, but because I enjoyed The Secret Teachings of All Ages, The Secret History of America was a disappointment.

[Rebecca Elson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 05/16/2019.

When you see a title like “The Secret History of America”, you might perk up at the thought of nefarious, conspiratorial plots. And although secrets abound in “The Secret History of America: Classic Writings on our Nation’s Unknown Past and Inner Purpose” by Manly P. Hall, you’ll be hard pressed to find sinister actions. That’s because through Hall’s account of history America, the literal land the country exists on, has been preordained to be a utopia, or as close to one as humanity can create.

As editor Mitch Horowitz says in his introduction, “Hall’s view of American history could be called transcendental.” He goes on to explain, “Within Hall’s writings on American history, particularly in his essays and book called The Secret Destiny of America, appears the principle that the U.S. serves – at his finest hours – as a vessel for primeval ideals of democracy, self-development, individual searching, and personal liberty. Hall located these ideals, in their earliest form, within ancient esoteric traditions, and he believed that such principles were preserved within the work of illuminated intellects, like Francis Bacon and Sir Walter Raleigh, as well as covert fraternities, including Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism, and enacted, albeit imperfectly, by America’s founders, many of whom were either Masons, such as Washington and Franklin, or were intimately steeped in ethical and individualistic philosophy, such as Paine and Jefferson.”

Hall profiles a colorful cast of characters including George Washington, Albert Pike, Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He shares stories of mysterious strangers at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and potential identities of Quetzalcoatl. All the while Hall paints a picture of an aspirational America. An America living up to its fullest potential.

Entertaining, inspiring, and informative, Manly P. Hall’s “Secret History of America” is a must read.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I expected exactly: perhaps some intriguing stories from many years ago that included plots and deeds that have been swept under the rug. In some respects, I think there is a bit of that, but this book is not at all what I expected. I found the information about Chinese beliefs, vegetation, and inscriptions that have been discovered on the California coast and in excavations under Mexico City interesting. I was also fascinated by the information about Iroquois Indians and how while they are often portrayed as being savages, according to Hall, they had a system that was more peaceful than what we experience in our country today. There is also a chapter about Benjamin Franklin and the ways he avoided arguments that I found to be advice that is sorely needed at a time when everyone thinks they are right, others wrong so they are willing to go to extremely horrendous measures because they are unwilling to accept that other people have an opinion too.

Whether all the information is 100 percent accurate or not, I do not know; however, it appears that Hall carefully researched everything in this book. I admit that I skimmed through some chapters that seemed endlessly repetitive, and at times I felt the material dragged on, but overall, I enjoyed this book.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've started this book several times. Finally got through it with the help of the audio book. A good chunk of this book is an edited version of "The Secret Destiny of America," which I read right before this book.

Whether or not you agree or find a credible argument in the idea that there was a global advanced civilization that inhabited the Earth before the Sumerians is irrelevant. Or, for that matter, whether or not there is any knowledge greater than what we possess today which has been passed down through the generations through the vessel of secret societies... The takeaway should be that there are some very powerful and successful people (both presently, and in the past) who do believe these ideas, and/or they find enlightenment in the stories and allegories.

This book can be a little dry at times if you're not interested in 19th Century "New Thought" or the Waite and Crowley brand of Hermeticism the proceeded it, and even the Transcendentalist movement of Ralph Waldo Emerson's time, but I think it's important to understand these concepts.

[Althea Araminta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manly P. Hall is a genius. In this book he delves into the spiritual significance of Native American Indian culture through largely unexplored lens of their cooperative governance. He also speaks of occulted historical moments amongst the founding fathers during constitutional era that will send shivers up your spine! Finally, he marks on the idealist scholar and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.

If you are ready to dip your toes into the Secret History of our great nation - this is the book to do it. It barely scratches the surface of the prolific oeuvre of Manly P. Hall - but you can tell from the density of facts contained in this tome that he has much more information to offer. An easy and fun read to get you started on your journey into the occult and metaphysics.

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up somewhat blindly at the library, knowing that I would not agree with all of it. My intention was to read with caution about ideas that may be contrary to my Christian world view, to question, and to become more aware of thought that I might encounter in the current world around me. To this extent I enjoyed the book and hold to the belief I had about some of the ideas prior to reading it.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

big fan

Manly P hall is one of my favorite inspirational sage that has changed my life my forever. I was always curious of walking into the unknown, what lies in the hidden teaching and history. The more one knows the more you feel that you definitely are in the matrix, living life as an illusion. I always wanted to know how Natives migrated to America, and true history behind it. This book gives you the idea where they originally come from.

[Kyle Plunkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manly P. Hall is a great writer when it comes to history, esotericism, symbolism, and occultism. This book unleashes the definitive work on the hidden purpose of America. It has includes classic writings on America's unknown past and inner purpose. If you want to get more into the writings of Manly P. Hall, I highly recommend to check out The Secret Teachings of All Ages.

[Kacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A repetitive compilation of Manly P. Hall’s writings. I was prepared for the dated views of the work but was surprised about the sometimes progressive nature of the writing (in certain dimensions) given their origins. It honestly just makes me want to read more about indigenous philosophy from indigenous writers, and the theory of mystics, transcendentalists, and masons themselves.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting and unique read. I was hoping to read about scandals in our Country's history, but this wasn't about that. I did find the premise to be interesting and enjoyed reading this, though!

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating collection featuring essays and lectures from Hall about America. Sections feel rather timely and important in today’s political and spiritual climate. For readers who who these subjects I’d recommend.

[Jill Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting account of the history of America. This book has been on my bucket list for years and I am glad I finally got to read it. I found the essays and lectures fascinating.

[Kayla Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I am a fan of Manly. I’ve been reading the secret teachings of all ages it’s a heavy book but a must read

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting work, even if I don’t always agree with Hall’s perspective.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very male view of the world but decent focus on multiple cultures' influence.

[S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting philosophical ideas. Not sure how factual any of it is. But does propose some very interesting ideas