Book Review: Okay, it's book review time again. This week, we crack the cover of Robert Anton Wilson's Everything is Under Control: Conspiracies, Cults, and Cover-Ups [Amazon]... (click more)
Okay, well, last week we reviewed a book about UFO Propulsion, so it seemed natural that the book I checked out to review this week be about Conspiracy Theories.
Now, I've never been much for conspiracy theories.. well, at least, I've never been much to "follow" conspiracy theories in the popular media. My life all to often RESEMBLES a bad Conspiracy Theory, so following them just seems a bit silly. But, it was a book by Robert Anton Wilson, so it demanded to be read.
Like most of R. A. Wilson's books, this one is extremely well written, with just the right mix of sarcasm and seriousness. Unfortunately, it's sometimes difficult to figure out where the line is drawn. This somewhat subtracts from the books usefulness as a dictionary or reference work, but greatly adds to the readability of it. For example, he manages to in the same breath adequately describe the Wiccan movement and poke fun at it at the same time.
But the most disturbing element of the book is the thoroughness in which it was researched. It would literally take a library to create a reference that includes all the conspiracy theories subscribed to by more than one person, so there are some limitations to the 400-or-so pages Wilson dedicates to the topic. That being said, the book is suprisingly complete, including references to the Fortean Times and the Pearl Harbor Conspiracy. Even the SubGenius gets a nod.
There are some omissions, however. Some of the omissions can be forgiven by the publishing date (1998).. a lot has changed in the world in the last three or so years. But, as both a good read and a good reference, it is well worth it's cover price.
If you like Robert Anton Wilson, buy a copy. If you don't, buy a copy. If you're Discordian, you might want to steal a page or two from one at your local public library. But, GET THIS BOOK!
And don't forget: if you're not paranoid, you're probably not paying attention.
actually our post office is next door the police station.we are a some what small town.but geometry was not lacking.actually you being from a big city,wouldnt know a country mile if it bite ya.
Um... huh?
Wow. Do they have heavy metals in the water there in Medford or something? I've added some additional comments to the original article in question to respond to jeannie. Also, get some sun.. you might have a vitamin deficiency.