New Gods in America: An Informal Investigation into the New Religions of American Youth Today

Inscribed first edition of this hippie-era survey of fringe and alternative religious groups, with chapters on Scientology, Subud, Witchcraft, Black Muslim, Hare Krishna, various strands of avant-garde Christianity, and many others. A curious, kaleidoscopic blend of fact-based reportage, narrative interviews with religious adherents, and unvarnished editorial, e.g. "The many Baha'i' publications seem to me notable for their boring, if elevating, contents."

NY: David McKay Company, 1971. Signed, dated, and inscribed by Rowley on the front free endpaper: "Dear Ros, With very special warmest thanks, and lots for love [sic] for a superb introduction to he literary world and Lee Schreyver." Presumed first edition (no print statement on copyright page). Octavo (5.75 x 8.25 in.); xv, 208pp., bibliography. Black cloth, gold spine lettering; in dust jacket. An exceptionally fine copy in a fine, unclipped ("$5.95") jacket, lightly rubbed at crown of spine. Dust jacket design by Irwin Bogen.