God in a Rolls Royce The Rise of Father Divine Madman, Menace, or Messiah (Author's Copy)

Hoshor, John

Published by Hillman-Curl Inc, New York, 1936

About this Item

272p, octavo. A very good + copy in brown cloth boards. Corners bumped, minor wear to edges. This is the author's copy, with his name plate pasted to front and back end papers. A scarce work on the divisive Father M. J. Divine.

Father Divine (1876-1965) was an African American spiritual leader and founder of the International Peace Mission Movement - where he preached against sexism and racism - strongly advocating for desegregation. Considered by many to be a cult leader, he claimed to BE God. His origins in the deep South are shrouded in mystery, but in the 1930's and 40's he resided in Harlem and he and the Peace Movement were at one point the largest property owners in Harlem. He bought several hotels, which he called "Heavens" where he offered members of his congregation work and living accomodations. He was a very controversial figure, whose actions got him arrested, imprisoned, and even institutionalized in a mental asylum - but his charismatic message of an interracial paradise garnered him tens of thousands of followers during his lifetime and many consider his work to be a precursor to the Civil Rights Movement.

Seller Inventory # 1147

Bibliographic Details

• Title: God in a Rolls Royce The Rise of Father Divine Madman, Menace, or Messiah (Author's Copy)
• Publisher: Hillman-Curl Inc, New York
• Publication Date: 1936
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • UTOPIAN
  • AFRICAN AMERICAN
  • THEOLOGY