Cults of Unreason

Cults of Unreason
1974 ed. Book cover
Author(s)	Dr. Christopher Riche Evans
Cover artist	Paul Agule (jacket design)
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject(s)	cults, pseudoscience
Genre(s)	non-fiction
Publisher	Harrap, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Delacorte Press
Publication date	1973, 1974, 1975
Media type	Paperback
Pages	257 (UK:259)
ISBN	ISBN 0374133247 , ISBN 978-0374133245 , ISBN 0440544025 , ISBN 978-0440544029 UK 0245-518703
OCLC Number	863421
Dewey Decimal	133/.06
LC Classification	BF1999 .E83 1974
Followed by	Landscapes of the Night – how and why we dream

Cults of Unreason is a non-fiction book on Scientology, pseudoscience, and cults, written by Christopher Riche Evans, Ph.D. The book was first published in the UK in 1973 by Harrap and in the USA in 1974 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and then again in paperback in 1975, by Delacorte Press. The book was also published in German, by Rowohlt, in 1976.^[1]

Synopsis

The book examines the background, founders and followers of a number of contemporary belief systems. Much of the book discusses the history of Scientology, including the early period and development of Dianetics. The book also describes the E-meter, various front groups, operating thetan, and the lifestyles of members whilst living at Scientology's then headquarters at Saint Hill Manor.

Evans also reviews UFO cults, the Aetherians, the Atlanteans, biofeedback, yoga, theosophy, and The Fourth Way. He identifies a common theme of incorporating technological advances within a theological framework and contends that the allure of such cults is that they offer a sense of community and comfort in the face of a world dominated by science.^[2]

References

1. ^ Kulte des Irrationalen, Christopher Riche Evans, Reinbek/Hamburg: Rowohlt, 1976., ISBN 349801613X , ISBN 9783498016135 , ISBN 9783498016135 , ISBN 349801613X
2. ^ Jack Salzman, American Studies: An Annotated Bibliography, 1984-1988, p. 1533. Cambridge University Press, 1990. ISBN 0521395275

1975 ed. Book cover, Delacorte Press

Scientology portal