An important study sheds new light on the amazing spread of Pentecostalism throughout the world. In this fresh and original study Allen Anderson traces the origins of Pentecostalism and its astonishing spread from many centers. Beginning with a probing examination of theorigins of Pentecostalism, Anderson goes on to mine the diaries and letters of Pentecostal leaders in the United States, India, China and East Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and Latin America and the Carribbean to give the flavor of the global movement and its first quarter-century. Finally, he offers a penetrating overview of both the theology and practice of pentecostals in such areas as healing, war, relations with other religions, politics, leadership, and sectarianism.