American Messiahs: False Prophets of a Damned Nation

The book explores the impact of messianic prophets on American national consciousness since the Revolution, highlighting figures like Cyrus Teed, a Civil War veteran and anticapitalist, civil rights pioneer Father Divine, and the notorious Jim Jones. It examines how these individuals, often seen as dangerous outliers, have shaped societal perceptions and movements, challenging the narratives surrounding their influence and the complexities of their legacies.