THE CLASSIC ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF L RON HUBBARD AND THE EXTRAORDINARY TRUE STORY OF HOW THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY BEGAN‘A brilliant exposé of Scientology’s conman king’ John Sweeney‘Unfolds like an epic and ultimately tragic film’ Tony Ortega‘Russell Miller did the ground-breaking work on Hubbard and the Church of Scientology that every future biographer relies upon’ Lawrence WrightBare-Faced … future biographer relies upon’ Lawrence Wright
Bare-Faced Messiah tells the extraordinary story of L. Ron Hubbard, a penniless science-fiction writer who founded the Church of Scientology, became a millionaire prophet and convinced his adoring followers that he alone could save the world.
According to his ‘official’ biography, Hubbard was an explorer, engineer, scientist, war hero and philosopher. But in the words of a Californian judge, he was schizophrenic, paranoid and a pathological liar. What is not in dispute is that Hubbard was one of the most bizarre characters of the twentieth century.
Bare-Faced Messiah exposes the myths surrounding the fascinating and mysterious founder of the Church of Scientology – a man of hypnotic charm and limitless imagination – and provides the definitive account of how the notorious organisation was created.
Why readers love Bare-Faced Messiah…
‘Concise, comprehensive, compelling and chilling!’
‘I highly, highly recommend this book’
‘I am rarely captivated by a biography but I was mesmerized by this book’
‘A fascinating biography, well documented and highly detailed… put together at great personal risk to the author’
‘What a great book’
’Extraordinarily well-researched… and very well-written’
If you like true stories which are as darkly gripping and jaw-droppingly entertaining as the very best fiction, you’ll love Bare-Faced Messiah. Start reading it now!
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I found this biography of L. Ron Hubbard very interesting especially in view of today’s politics. It shows how a charismatic narcissistic man with a made up history can so easily influence those looking for a hero. Like someone else today, he relied on people who felt disenfranchised to support him and his agenda unquestioningly and used them for his own glory and benefit. Also like someone else, he was very vengeful to those who disappointed or doubted him. A good study in human nature and the truth of his saying that “insanity is contagious”.
Honestly exposes L. Ron for what he was –bigger than Barnum.
My older brother was into the Dianetics book from the start, believed some of it’s premises but as far as I know never was into the Scientology bit. He was too busy with work, family and all that. I finally bought my first copy of this book at a used book store for fifty cents and I may have overpaid. This biography was excellent! It’s quite long and detailed but with a character like L. Ron Hubbard how could it be otherwise. The only one of his books I’ve read was “Final Black Out” sometime in the late 1940’s when I was a kid. It was scary! It seemed believable and was well. written. Great biograpy!!
Detailed biography of a controversial man.
The most complete source of information (that I’ve read so far) about the man who singlehandedly convinced thousands to dedicate themselves to the fiction of Scientology.
I thought he wrote science fiction and I had no idea he was such a con man. For me,the fact that he didn’t stand by his people is the biggest proof he was a con man.
I had no idea who Hubbard was other than an author and founder of Scientology. What an imposter! Well documented book
Half finished. Rather boring so far.
If you are interested in the Church of Scientology, the methodology of recruitment, and the complicated twists and turns of their convoluted theology; this is the book to read.
I would not recommend this book, unless you want to read a biography of the greatest con man in the history of the world! That Hubbard was “talented” is without question. David Koresh and Jim Jones were rank amateurs when contrasted!
Great biography told with excellent writing and an abundance of research! Highly recommend it!!
Interesting read.
Very comprehensive and enlighting.
This is biography of the founder of Dianetics and Scientology. As the author says L. Ron Hubbard’s real life is even more bizarre and twisted than the lies told about his life. Fascinating, hard to lay down.
Strange Man, Confidence Man
I think it gives an accurate picture of this oddball religion
Interesting and informative. I don’t understand how
Intelligent people can fall for this man’s insane ramblings.
couldn’t stand reading about this ass
I had no idea.
Interesting look at the life of the leader of the worlds largest cult.