Everything Is Under Control: Conspiracies, Cults, and Cover-Ups

by Robert Anton Wilson, Mathias Bröckers, Miriam Joan Hill, et al.

Book Overview

Before the X-Files, before alt.conspiracy, there was Robert Anton Wilson and his legendary Illuminatus Trilogy. Now this avatar of conspiriology, renowned for his razor wit and progressive philosophy, takes you on a fascinating, eclectic ride through what Wilson has termed the Cultic Twilight where conspiracy theories flourish.

Everything Is Under Control covers the range of Wilson's kaleidoscopic knowledge, from John Adams to the Voronezh (former...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062734172
• ISBN13: 9780062734174
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 456 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Primo Overview

"Everything is Under Control" may not be the most handy conspiracy reference book possible, but the breadth of what it covers is remarkable and it's as funny and accessible as all Wilson books. I read most of the book in coast-to-coast transit, and I was singled out to be searched at every airport while this book was in my carry-on. I can't help but interpret that as meaning that "Everything is Under Control" is the kind of book that Big Brother worries about, and that speaks pretty highly for it.

Alphabetical=good

Not having much experience in the world of conspiracy theories, I bought this book as a sort of intro/reference. I must say that Wilson does a good job at keeping things in order (the book is in alphabetical order). The author generously cross-references many interesting topics, lists further reading and supplies ample amount of websites for further clarification. I am a novice in this field, but this book seems to be a great starter for the uninitiated.

An Intellectual Sourcebook

Ordinarily, I would not touch anything sub-titled "Conspiracies, Cults, and Cover-ups" with a ten foot pole. However, I noticed that it was written by Robert Anton Wilson- I had already read all three of his _Cosmic Trigger_ books plus his excellent _Coincidance_. I had Wilson to thank for explaining the work of James Joyce to me so that I could finally comprehend him, so I knew that this book ,too, must be written with intelligence and perception. I was not dissappointed. If you are jaded and believe that there is nothing new under the sun that you have not already heard of, then get this book. It has been the starting point for so much of my personal research and developement over the last few years that I don't know where to start. It was this book that introduced me to Noam Chomsky's work. And there is just so much more: the Illuminati, the Federal Reserve, the Bank of America Conspiracy, the Bilderbergers, the Great Satanic Conspiracy, the gnostic thought of Phillip K. Dick, the corruption index, the Council on Foreign Relations, Daimonic Reality, the Merovingian Kings, Fletcher Prouty, the "Great Pirates" of Bucky Fuller, LAWCAP, etc., etc., etc.

Conspiracy Theories Galore! The "Lone Gunmen" Handbook ?

Unplug the phones and find a safe corner, away from The Big Screen. Prepare to be enthralled and sucked into the Paranoid world of Conspiracy Theory.All the "Secret Societies," supposed CIA / FBI "cover-ups," assassinations, occult groups, mind control scenarios, banking, NWO, UFO-related, "regression therapy" theories, delusions and confusions you can handle.This book is an Amazing collection of all the most popular Conspiracies, urban myths, paranoid delusions, Cult Weirdness and valid info, imaginable. It's up to YOU to decipher the Truth from the fiction.... R.A.W. just lays the info on the table--You sort it out.Anyone interested in "Secret Societies," Anthropology, Psychology or simply seeks an entertaining read, should add this encyclopedic tome to their collection.You will laugh, you will cry, you will hide under the bed & build a bomb shelter in your spare time. (and don't forget to unplug the phone.... "they" are listening).This is absolutely the best resource for entertaining (and sometimes scary) "Conspiracy Theories." It is an Anthropologist's delight !!!Two thumbs-up to R.A.W.* Note: OTO, Thelema, Sub-Genius & Discordian members will treasure this book, forever.... & F & AM members will enjoy it, if they have a sense of humor

A hyper-texed encyclopedia!

A WARNING to those who know RAW's work, and to those who don't: Everything Is Under Control offers an easy and fascinating entry into the rarefied air of RAW's thinking. It is not intended to offer the definitive explanation of every subject mentioned, however it is sufficiently grounded in explanation to provide an engaging appetizer for the entire genre of discussion and experience that attempts to provide a handle for what I like to call "consciousness expansion." That may include merely the clarification of Who Said and Did What When, or may be brief introductions to the more recondite techniques for brain change and nervous system enhancement that aid any understanding of the multitude of clues that make up our perceptual field. Why is this a warning? After reading other reviews here, I realize that RAW's fans may find this new book far too simple compared to his other works where single sentences could be called "encyclopedic." Readers new to RAW may be bewildered by how one author can "make sense" in such a simple fashion out of the many contrasting theories about who controls what. I love the book for it's quick reference to RAW's simultaneously humorous and sophisticated view of conspiracies, cults, and cover-ups. Read RAW's newsletter, Trajectories, or his other books if you need a more detailed discussion. Meanwhile, leave Everything Is Under Control on your coffee table. This is one book that guarantees a lively discussion no matter what page you may randomly quote. And remember, RAW's humor should never be discounted. Do you think the author "believes" everything is under control? Read RAW's Cosmic Trigger, or at least the excerpt from RAW's website, where he succinctly describes not only his own distinctive road map, but the very nature of maps themselves. That short brilliant essay could easily be the intro to any of RAW's works, but would be put to it's best use as a primer for any human who trusts their belief in the reality they are experiencing. Before you accuse me of hyperbolic idolatry, read the excerpt.