@RUTGERS.ARPA:SORCEROR@LL.ARPA (02/14/85)
From: <SORCEROR@LL.ARPA>
> I recall a particular series (trilogy?) of the 'sercret society'
> genre, this was/is the Illuminatti (sp?) series. I only got through
> 1 and 1/2 of the books since I started becoming paranoid! I believe
> the writers were Anton Wilson and Robert Sheckly, though my mind is
> rather foggy on this since once I put the books down I never wanted
> to hear about them again. They were real good, so good I did not
> dare go anywhere without looking over my shoulders!
The series you are thinking of is the "ILLUMINATUS" trilogy by Robert Anton
Wilson and Robert Shea. Here, here !! These books employ a delightful
non-linear narrative, which can make for difficult reading. (The reader has to
keep track of half a dozen sub-plots and be prepared to switch between them
without warning.) This style serves to link a strong libertarian viewpoint
with a reverence for eros, randomness and surprises. (One doesn't have to equate
libertarianism with the controlling, rationalizing attitudes of Objectivism and
much of our scientific/technological culture.) I believe the authors conceived
this series in reaction to the many "crank-letters" about conspiracy theories
they received while working as editors at Playboy. Highly recommended; enjoy !!
"All Hail Eris, All Hail Discordia, Blessed Be !!"
Karl Heinemann
(SORCEROR at LL)