American Messiahs: False Prophets of a Damned Nation

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Selection

A history with sweeping implications, American Messiahs challenges our previous misconceptions about “cult” leaders and their messianic power.

Mania surrounding messianic prophets has defined the national consciousness since the American Revolution. From Civil War veteran and virulent anticapitalist Cyrus Teed, to the dapper and overlooked civil rights pioneer Father Divine, to even the megalomaniacal Jim Jones, these figures have routine...