A leader of the anti-Semitic radical right and admirer of Nazi Germany, Pelley was also an award-winning short story writer, Hollywood screenwriter and religious leader. Providing a thorough look at Pelley's background and career, Beekman (history, Ohio U.) places Pelley in the history of both the anti-Semitic and occult movements in the US. Beekman's epilogue considers evidence of Pelley's legacy in the various cults that arose at the end of the 20th century. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)