Other commentators felt that the book was unduly favourable to Erhard. A review of the book in "The Christian Century" stated that Bartley had got "sucked into" writing a "promo on Erhard, founder of one of the pseudo-therapies of the '70s." The "Los Angeles Times" commented that "philosophical justification of est as a mishmash of totalitarianism, hucksterism and existentialism makes this book more a public relations product than an objective study." A "Chicago Tribune" review described the book as a "painstaking [... act of devotion" that nevertheless failed in its mission: "No one reading it is likely to agree with Bartley that the founder of est is a philosopher and spiritual leader of Gandhian magnitude except the already convinced." James R. Fisher, in "Six Silent Killers: Management's Greatest Challenge", and Suzanne Snider, writing for "The Believer" magazine, referred to Bartley's book as a "hagiography", and Rachel Jones of "Noseweek" considered the book "sycophantic". A review in "The Evening Independent" described Bartley as Erhard's "friend and admitted booster", telling his "often-sordid story in detail." E. C. Dennis, writing for "Library Journal", found that Bartley's work "has a slick tone and more than a trace of hero worship". Dennis acknowledged that the book gave "the full details of Erhard's 'soap opera,' often in his own words," but was critical of Bartley's writing, saying he cast "a Freud's-eye-view on his subject's youthful failings, but after the famous 'transformation' his tone becomes almost reverential." Dennis stated that the book failed to ask important questions, but that large public libraries should carry a copy, given its status as an "authorized" biography.