Just finished:
Master of the Mysteries, The Life of Manly Palmer Hall
By Louis Sahagun who wrote Hall's obit in the LA Times
Now on:
Albert Pike, The Man Beyond The Monument
by Brother James T. Tresner II
Hall and Pike were similar brothers. Both amassed a wealth of knowledge in the occult and ancient pagan religions.
Pike was more careful with his research and verification. A man for all seasons, a Renascence man. Philosophy, Psychology , prose, poetry, jurisprudence, education, pioneer. A brilliant, self-taught man who easily moved amongst the learned of academia, wealthy, common man and the Indian.
Hall was a product of his times. Sometimes played a little to loosely with the facts and proofs; allowed, with little resistance, the voodoo occult of the early 20th century around Los Angeles to affix and promote itself along with him. Brooded, fought the devils of self promotion within himself, and allowed himself to be misguided in the end.
Both complex men for sure. Both with a contribution to society. Both 33 degree Scottish Rite masons in the end.
Enjoying the one of one comparison.