ABSTRACT

The events of November 1978 at Jonestown, Guyana have been well documented, indeed probably better documented than most incidents in the realm of the bizarre. Beyond the wealth of “ facts” that have been drawn from interviews with survivors of all stripes, there remain piles of as yet unsifted documents and tapes. If they can ever be examined, these will perhaps add something in the way of detail, but it is unlikely they will change very much the broad lines of our understanding of Jonestown. The major dimensions of the events and the outlines of various intrigues are already before us. But so far we have been caught in a flood of instant analysis. Some of this has been insightful, but much of the accompanying moral outrage has clouded our ability to comprehend the events them­ selves. We need a more considered look at what sort of social phenomenon Jonestown was, and why, and how the Reverend Jim Jones and his staff led the 900 people at Jonestown to die in mass murder and suicide. On the face of it, the action is unparalleled and incredible.