Strange Altars

by Marcus Bach

SECRET RITES NO WHITE MAN SEES

Marcus Bach, a researcher in primitive and exotic religions, and his photographer-wife, Lorena, arrive in Haiti. Their purpose is to penetrate a religion which has been forbidden to white men - the ancient rite of Voodoo.

Strangely, a white man is their guide. Stanley Reser, an enigmatic American doctor, is rumored to be a Voodoo priest; on his arm flickers a tattooed red dragon. The three watch the mambos chant their prayers to the snake god Damballa; dance their homage to the pulsation of jungle drums; draw their sacred symbols on the beaten earth. The faithful walk through flames, possessed by the spirits of the loas, the immortal Voodoo saints.

Here where the supernatural prevails, Bach discovers a dynamic Christianity, the deep-felt religion of those who worship at STRANGE ALTARS.

Genres: Nonfiction

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[R.K. Cowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/4 stars

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Secret rites no white man sees." Were it not for the hilariously corny lingo and "realistic" accounts of voodoo practices, this would have ended up back on the shelf within two pages. I don't understand how descriptions of this culture and religion could be so dry! Awesome cover, but unfortunately totally boring.