In The History of Cults, Robert Schroëder examines movements of the twentieth and twenty-first century in a historical and cultural context, tracing their existence back to the earliest days of mankind. Investigating the essence of their continued appeal with reference to the experiences of ex-members, along with profiles of their often enigmatic creators and leaders, he provides a compelling and sometimes disturbing insight into these mysterious organizations, be they modern or ancient. More than 50 cults, movements, cult leaders, sects and religions of the modern and ancient world are explained and explored.