King of the Harem Heaven: the Amazing True Story of a Daring Charlatan Who Ran a Virgin Love Cult in America

King Of The Harem Heaven, first published in 1960, is the fascinating, although likely somewhat sensationalized story, of the House of David religious cult and its leader, Benjamin Franklin Purnell. Based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the group also owned a large tract of land on High Island in Lake Michigan, and eventually developed a number of successful enterprises including farms, timber, a vegetarian restaurant, amusement park, roadside service station, and a motel. Notable was their having several baseball teams, the "Flying Rollers," famous for their long hair and beards (they did not believe in cutting their hair) which toured the U.S and played against other semi-pro teams. The group was rocked by scandal when members alleged that leader Purnell, while enforcing celibacy among the members, was engaging in sex with the women - including underage teenagers - of the group, and also for massive financial irregularities. Legal battles ensued, ending only upon the death of Purnell in December 1927.

1134606720
King of the Harem Heaven: the Amazing True Story of a Daring Charlatan Who Ran a Virgin Love Cult in America

King Of The Harem Heaven, first published in 1960, is the fascinating, although likely somewhat sensationalized story, of the House of David religious cult and its leader, Benjamin Franklin Purnell. Based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the group also owned a large tract of land on High Island in Lake Michigan, and eventually developed a number of successful enterprises including farms, timber, a vegetarian restaurant, amusement park, roadside service station, and a motel. Notable was their having several baseball teams, the "Flying Rollers," famous for their long hair and beards (they did not believe in cutting their hair) which toured the U.S and played against other semi-pro teams. The group was rocked by scandal when members alleged that leader Purnell, while enforcing celibacy among the members, was engaging in sex with the women - including underage teenagers - of the group, and also for massive financial irregularities. Legal battles ensued, ending only upon the death of Purnell in December 1927.

12.99 In Stock
King of the Harem Heaven: the Amazing True Story of a Daring Charlatan Who Ran a Virgin Love Cult in America

King of the Harem Heaven: the Amazing True Story of a Daring Charlatan Who Ran a Virgin Love Cult in America

by Anthony Sterling
King of the Harem Heaven: the Amazing True Story of a Daring Charlatan Who Ran a Virgin Love Cult in America

King of the Harem Heaven: the Amazing True Story of a Daring Charlatan Who Ran a Virgin Love Cult in America

by Anthony Sterling

Paperback

$12.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

King Of The Harem Heaven, first published in 1960, is the fascinating, although likely somewhat sensationalized story, of the House of David religious cult and its leader, Benjamin Franklin Purnell. Based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the group also owned a large tract of land on High Island in Lake Michigan, and eventually developed a number of successful enterprises including farms, timber, a vegetarian restaurant, amusement park, roadside service station, and a motel. Notable was their having several baseball teams, the "Flying Rollers," famous for their long hair and beards (they did not believe in cutting their hair) which toured the U.S and played against other semi-pro teams. The group was rocked by scandal when members alleged that leader Purnell, while enforcing celibacy among the members, was engaging in sex with the women - including underage teenagers - of the group, and also for massive financial irregularities. Legal battles ensued, ending only upon the death of Purnell in December 1927.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9798869144966
Publisher: Nighthawk Books
Publication date: 01/24/2024
Pages: 160
Product dimensions: 5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.34(d)
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews