Cult Following
The Extreme Sects That Capture Our Imaginations—and Take Over Our Lives
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Quirk Books
Published:10th Sep '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the psychology and history of notorious cults, including the infamous Cult Following, revealing the complex reasons behind cult membership.
In Cult Following, J. W. Ocker takes readers on a compelling journey through the dark and often perplexing world of cults. This insightful exploration seeks to answer a pressing question: how do seemingly ordinary individuals become entangled in the web of extreme belief systems? Ocker, known for his expertise in weird history, delves into the psychology behind cult membership, offering a thorough examination of some of history's most notorious groups.
The book presents a diverse array of cults, from the infamous Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh during the 1993 Waco siege, to the chilling Los Narcosatanicos of 1980s Mexico, whose leader engaged in human sacrifice. Ocker also highlights the early UFO cult known as The Seekers, which inspired the concept of cognitive dissonance, and the peculiar Ho No Hana Sanpogyo, where fortunes were told through foot examination. Additionally, he sheds light on the extreme beliefs of Breatharianism, where followers claim to survive solely on air.
As Ocker navigates through these captivating stories, Cult Following reveals the underlying themes of belief, belonging, and trust that draw individuals into these groups. The book serves not only as an informative guide to the history of cults but also as a reflection on the human condition and the lengths people will go to find community and understanding in a complex world.
“A must-read for those with a taste for cult narratives.”—Publishers Weekly
Praise for The United States of Cryptids
“A deliciously nerdy chronicle that celebrates thinking about life beyond.”—Vice
“Thoughtful and well-researched...a worthy addition to any cryptid enthusiast’s library.”—AIPT Comics
“[Ocker's] breezy storytelling talents make for enjoyable reading.”—Booklist
“Essential reading for anyone with an interest in unexplained mysteries, folklore, mythology, and the supernatural. An inherently fascinating, impressively informative, truly exceptional, and unreservedly recommended addition to community and academic library Cryptid collections.”—Midwest Book Review
“I love folklore, so naturally, I also love cryptids, since they're basically the scary story versions of modern folklore. Which is precisely what I enjoyed about The United States of Cryptids.”—BoingBoing
Praise for Cursed Objects
“This book is so fun that I couldn't put it down. It reminded me that life is short, death is nigh and a little humor can help us seize the day just as well as a memento mori.”—The New York Times
“A visual feast of a book...this eye-catching miscellany is perfect for anyone who wants a treasure chest of weird trivia to peruse.”—Bustle
“Well researched....The entry about the Black Aggie statue in Druid Ridge Cemetery in Pikesville, Maryland, is especially chilling….The only question that remains is, who is courageous enough to brave the myriad scary (and true) stories within?”—Memphis Flyer
“I loved J. W. Ocker's Cursed Objects! This cabinet of cursed curiosities is insanely entertaining and dangerously informative, but be forewarned: you may be cursed with reading it late into the night once you open it.”—Lisa Morton, author of Calling the Spirits: A History of Seances and Ghosts: A Haunted History
“A deliciously scary and entertaining look into the spooky stuff of nightmares. Through rich histories, adorably macabre illustrations, and a modicum of hilarity, this book will entrance readers until the last page—if you survive that long!”—Lydia Kang, author of Quackery
ISBN: 9781683694120
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
288 pages