"Based on more than two hundred personal interviews with both current and former Scientologists--both famous and less well known--and years of archival research, Lawrence Wright uses his extraordinary investigative skills to uncover for us the inner workings of the Church of Scientology: its origins in the imagination of science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard; its struggles to find acceptance as a legitimate (and legally acknowledged) religion; its vast, secret campaign to infiltrate the U.S. government; its vindictive treatment of critics; its phenomenal wealth; and its dramatic efforts to grow and prevail after the death of Hubbard"--From publisher description.

Pt. I. Scientology. The convert -- Source -- Going overboard -- pt. II. Hollywood. The faith factory -- Dropping the body -- In service to the stars -- The future is ours -- Bohemian rhapsody -- TC and COB -- pt. III. The prison of belief. The investigation -- Tommy -- Epilogue.