Robert S. Ellwood is Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California.Harry Partin was Professor of History of Religions at Duke University.

• 1. The Several Meanings of a cult. 2. The History of an Alternative Reality in the West. 3. New Vessels for the Ancient Wisdom: Groups in the Theosophical and Rosicrucian Traditions. 4. The Descent of the Mighty Ones: Spiritualism and UFO Groups. 5. The Crystal Within: Initiatory Groups. 6. The Edenic Bower: Neo-Paganism. 7. The Ganges Flows West: Indian Movements in America. 8. The East in the Golden West: Other Oriental Movements. 9. New Religious Movements: Sociological and Psychological Approaches. Appendix: The People's Temple. Bibliography. Addresses of Groups. Index.