This work investigates the cultural, social, and psychological phenomena surrounding the figures known as 'Godmen' within the Indian subcontinent. Peter Ludwig Brent utilizes a journalistic approach to document the lives, practices, and influence of various self-proclaimed holy men. The text examines the intersection of traditional religious authority and modern charismatic leadership, questioning how these individuals command significant followings in a rapidly changing society.

Critics and readers often note that the book provides a valuable, if dated, snapshot of the mid-20th-century religious landscape in India. Experts highlight the text as a useful observational study for those interested in the sociology of religion and the dynamics of charismatic authority.