Cults : prophecies, practices & personalities / Michael Jordan

[London] : [Carlton], 1996. First Edition. Hardback. Fine copy in a near-fine, very slightly edge-nicked and dust-dulled dw, now mylar-sleeved. Remains particularly and surprisingly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and strong. Minor library marks remain. Provenance: From the library of L. P. Coomer with his bookplate to front pastedown. ; 8vo 8"" - 9"" tall; 128 pages; Physical description: 128p. : ill.. (some col.), facsims., ports. ; 29 cm. Summary: The 20th century has seen a rise in the number of cults and sects throughout the world. Until recently, groups such as the Moonies, the Hare Krishna movement and the Children of God were viewed as harmless zealots or cranks. However, doubts have been raised about the nature of some cults, with massive media coverage of events such as the mass suicides of the Jonestown People's cult in Guyana and David Koresh's Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. Critics have even accused some cults of indoctrination, brainwashing and breaking up families. This work examines the popularity, claims, prophecies, rituals and practices of these groups, and profiles their mesmeric leaders and prophets. It provides a balanced background to these intriguing groups, and historical analysis places modern groups in context with religious cults throughout the centuries.