"Millions of Americans - from Lady Astor to Carol Burnett, Ginger Rogers to H. R. Haldeman - have been touched by the teachings of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, Christian Science is based on the idea that an intense contemplation of the perfection of God and His creation man can heal all ills - an extreme expression of the fundamental American faith in self-reliance.

In this investigation, Caroline Fraser, herself raised in a Scientist household, shows how the Church transformed itself from a small, eccentric sect into a politically powerful and socially respectable religion. And she explores the human cost of Christian Science's remarkable rise."--BOOK JACKET.