The works of Jackson Elias characterize and analyze death cults.  His best-known book is Sons of Death, exposing modern-day Thuggees in India.  All of his books illustrate how cults manipulate the fears of their followers.  A skeptic, Elias has never found convincing proof of supernatural powers, magic, or dark gods.  Insanity and feelings of inadequacy characterize death cultists, feelings for which they compensate by slaughtering innocents to make themselves feel powerful or chosen.  Cults draw the weak-minded, though cult leaders are usually clever and manipulative.  When fear of a cult stops, the cult vanishes.

Jackson Elias' work to date:

Skulls Along the River (1910) - exposes headhunter cult in the Amazon basin.

Masters of the Black Arts (1912) - surveys supposed sorcerous cults throughout history.

The Way of Terror (1913) - analyzes systemization of fear through cult organization; warmly reviewed by George Sorel.

The Smoking Heart (1915) - first half discusses historical Mayan death cults.  Second half instances present-day Central American death cults.

Sons of Death (1918) - modern-day Thuggees; Elias infiltrated the cult and described about his experiences.

The Black Power (1920) - expands upon The Way of Terror; includes interviews with several anonymous cult leaders.

Witch Cults of England (1923) - summarizes covens in nine English counties; interviews practicing English witches. Margaret Murray thought the book "superb".
 

All of Mr. Elias' books are in print and available from Prospero Press of New York City, U.S.A.

                                                                                                                  - THE DAILY TELEGRAPH (year-end supplement), Dec. 28, 1923