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The Divine Supermarket

Travels in Search of the Soul of America

Malise Ruthven author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:30th Apr '12

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Divine Supermarket cover

Travelling in a battered camping van, Malise Ruthven set out across America in search of the manifestations - often bizarre and sometimes terrifying - of its religious spirit. This book is his zesty and brilliantly-observed account of the journey, offering illuminating and humorous insights into the quirky soul of modern America.

Travelling in a battered camping van, Malise Ruthven set out across America in search of the manifestations - often bizarre and sometimes terrifying - of its religious spirit. The journey took him from the dark woods of Puritan New England to neo-Nazi cults in the Rockies; from Mormons and Snake-handlers to fundamentalist groups who challenge the teaching of evolution; from Channellers in California to the sexual and financial scandals surrounding millionaire TV preachers. The Divine Supermarket is his zesty and brilliantly-observed account of the journey, offering illuminating and humorous insights into the quirky soul of modern America.

A perfect guide and crazy concept...It's a rocking good read and something of a pocket guide to hell. * Time Out *
This is a significant travel book...it has clear purpose and is not just a ramble through America. As Ruthven himself describes it, he set out to write "a kind of travel book: one that exposes the country's psyche as well as its social and physical landscapes." He is as good as his word. * William Boyd *
Ruthven is a civilised man, sharp-witted and clever, with an impressive mastery of American social and cultural history and he has written a brilliant account of his travels in search of our spiritual byways and backwaters. * Los Angeles Times *
Ruthven weaves accurate historical information with firsthand observations, interviews, and his own analysis. A readable book with some fresh insights. Recommended. * Library Journal *

ISBN: 9781780760223

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 318g

336 pages