What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret World of Cults: Inside the Sects That Take Over Lives
Softcover, as shown, browned, tanned, dampstain in lower outer corner of text-block & some cover shop- & edgewear, spine creased, NO marks or writing. 1991 1st ed. Guaranteed.
- GenresNonfictionReligionCults
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 1991
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 1, 2025
how fascinating
February 4, 2026
Aside from my limited knowledge of Charles Manson, I had very little understanding of cults until I opened this book. I am a fan of its author, Jean Ritchie, who also wrote an excellent account of the stalking phenomenon, so I was confident that her study on cults would be just as informative. And it was.
'The Secret World of Cults' takes readers on a fascinating, though often uncomfortable, journey. It explains in simple, easy-to-understand terms what a cult is, how they can retain their members, the kinds of people who are most likely to join one, and what they do to them. Like most of Ritchie's books, she interviewed relevant people, including former cult members whose lives had changed for the worse, and who were still bearing the scars.
In particular, the book provides extensive insight into groups like the Moonies, the Children of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Satanists. It also includes some horrifying revelations, such as vulnerable children who were recruited into cults and subjected to sexual abuse.
I now feel that I have gained a much deeper understanding of cults and the people who run them. I hope that some people read this book and think twice before being taken in.
'The Secret World of Cults' takes readers on a fascinating, though often uncomfortable, journey. It explains in simple, easy-to-understand terms what a cult is, how they can retain their members, the kinds of people who are most likely to join one, and what they do to them. Like most of Ritchie's books, she interviewed relevant people, including former cult members whose lives had changed for the worse, and who were still bearing the scars.
In particular, the book provides extensive insight into groups like the Moonies, the Children of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Satanists. It also includes some horrifying revelations, such as vulnerable children who were recruited into cults and subjected to sexual abuse.
I now feel that I have gained a much deeper understanding of cults and the people who run them. I hope that some people read this book and think twice before being taken in.
May 21, 2013
Really interesting. Gave me a handle on the Moonies, Hare Krishnas, Jehovahs and the Church of Christ who were busily recruiting in my part of London back then. The cults themselves seem so crazy but I guess when you're inside one it all seems so normal. Well written and packed with useful information.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews