Manly P Hall was the 20th century version of Albert Pike. He got off a bus in the early days of Hollywood with little education and proceeded to build himself a life noted by many as a true master of the occult, by others as a master of plagiarism. Much money was made by Hall and his associates through the years. He was a much sought after speaker, many times by Scottish Rite Valleys across the States and the Continent.
I had read Pike extensively before but was cautious of delving into Hall. So I decided to do a comparison of the two brethren. I purchased and read biographies of both and then read The Secret Teachings of All Ages. In it, Hall chronologically takes the reader through the mysteries. He does not, in my opinion offer any further light. Rather, like Pike, he offers the reader a singular work to obtain a working understanding of the mysteries.
My preference is Pike. Though both men were blessed with huge egos, Hall's circle of friends shed poor light on his memory and intentions. But, then, Pike's life in 19th Century Washington, DC was no match for what awaited Hall when he stepped off that bus in Hollywood, CA nearly 100 years ago.