Conspiracies: The Facts. The Theories. The Evidence

by Andy Thomas

... Reasoned, objective and most importantly fair.... a valuable addition to the existing canon of literature in this most fractious of fascinating, sometimes worrying and highly recommended.' - Phenomena Magazine'Whether steeped in conspiracy lore or just a novice, you'll get a better handle on what's really going on in the world by reading Andy Thomas's Conspiracies.' - Nexus MagazineIn today's environment, with trust in governments at an all-time low, conspiracy theories have found a new currency, and websites and social networking ensure they receive a wider and more rapid spread than ever before. But how do we separate truth from imagination? Was Princess Diana murdered, as many people think, despite all the official denials? Did NASA really go to the Moon, when anomalies in the photographic record suggest otherwise? Could 9/11 really have been set up by agencies within the USA itself? The author opens the conspiracy casebook by examining the mindset of those who believe in conspiracies, and considers whether the dismissive attitude towards them has been fair.Part Two looks into history to establish that when conspiracies do occur, credibility should therefore be given to belief in some of the alleged plots and cover-ups of today. This leads into a well-argued examination of some of the most popular conspiracies of our times, including theories over assassinations, UFO cover-ups, and widely voiced concerns over 9/11 and the 'New World Order'.Part Three draws the conclusion that while not all conspiracy theories can be proven, they do at least draw attention to paths not to take, and can be valuable in helping to create a better world where new trust and hope can be forged. Are we living in a world of control, of oppression, of habitual deception? Is this really how things are, or simply human nature massively distorted through a dark lens? The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

Genres: Nonfiction

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Andy Thomas is one of the UK’s best-known authors and lecturers on unexplained mysteries and cover-ups, as well as writing on history and folklore, and is the author of the books The New Heretics, Conspiracies, The Truth Agenda and Christmas: A Short History from Solstice to Santa, among many other titles. He speaks extensively in Britain and abroad at both mainstream and 'alternative' events, and his books have been widely praised as the finest available overviews of their subjects.

Andy's latest book, The New Heretics, published by Watkins Publishing in December 2021, is a brave and timely stand for real freedom of expression and an encouragement to establish real understanding of all those who question orthodoxy, whether they are agreed with or not. A better way forward – one that doesn't sanction blanket censorship – must be found.

For three decades, Andy has investigated truth and mystery subjects such as conspiracy theories and the paranormal (covering crop circles, UFOs, ghosts and other enigmas), making them accessible and avoiding polarisation with tantalising middle-ground to evoke discussion. He has appeared on many popular TV shows on the BBC, NBC, History Channel, National Geographic Channel and other global outlets, and has had major UK spots on The One Show, Richard and Judy, Esther, GMTV, and Sky TV's hit series Pineapple Dance Studios. Andy regularly features on radio programmes and podcasts around the globe, and appeared in the theatrically-released US documentary Crop Circles: Quest For Truth.

Andy is author of seven other books exploring the unexplained, including Fields of Mystery, Quest for Contact (with the late Paul Bura), and the classic Vital Signs: A Complete Guide to the Crop Circle Mystery, which has been described by many as the definitive guide to the circle controversy and was nominated for Kindred Spirit magazine's 2002 Best Book award. His book An Introduction to Crop Circles is another consistent seller and was updated in 2011. Andy is also author of four books on Sussex (south east England) local history. He has written for many journals and magazines, including Kindred Spirit and New Dawn, and he regularly contributes to the popular alternative journal Nexus Magazine.

A very busy lecturer, Andy is renowned for his striking and persuasive presentations on the unexplained, conspiracies, and festivals and folkore. His seasonal lectures on the history of Christmas keep him busy towards the end of each year. He speaks extensively across Britain and has also presented in other parts of the world, including America, Australia, Brazil, Peru and many European countries. Andy has given several thousand lectures during his years of ongoing speaking engagements, making him one of the UK's most prolific speakers. Andy’s presentations have brought often marginalised subjects into public venues to great success, and he regularly addresses established organisations, as well as making regular appearances at alternative groups.

Andy is founder of the Changing Times truth and mysteries group (www.changingtimes.org.uk) and is also co-organiser and presenter of the celebrated Glastonbury Symposium, one of the UK’s longest-running alternative events (www.glastonburysymposium.co.uk).

Andy’s always balanced and perceptive views on unusual subjects have become widely respected for giving credibility to areas not generally given the coverage they truly deserve.

More information about Andy, with news, reviews, videos and details of forthcoming lectures can be found at his website: www.truthagenda.org

Reviews

[Lisa Saffron]

Was the 1969 moon landing faked? Was Princess Diana murdered? Who assassinated JFK? What's the truth behind the USS Liberty, 9/11, extra-terrestrials, and New World Order plots? This book is well worth reading if you're open to a balanced weighing up of the evidence and a sensible, in-depth look at the opposing arguments. Each chapter ends with a summary of the arguments against it being a conspiracy theory, the arguments for and a conclusion.
I was struck by the epilogue in which the author states: 'Most conspiracy theories are centred around the concept of someone out there doing something to us. Life can undeniably work this way but, at the same time, those 'out there' are merely reflections of what is buried deep in the collective psyche, projected onto egos that enact our shadow sides for us. The uncomfortable reality is that any kind of deceptive elite playing chess with civilization can only do so because we allow it.' He concludes with an uplifting call to embrace the realities of diversity and hear the voices of everyone as the only way there ever can be a real new world order.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fair review of conspiracies. Facts are given , then one is left to deduce whether to agree or disagree.
In today's environment, with trust in governments at an all-time low, conspiracy theories have found a new currency, and websites and social networking ensure they receive a wider and more rapid spread than ever before. But how do we separate truth from imagination? Was Princess Diana murdered, as many people think, despite all the official denials? Did NASA really go to the Moon, when anomalies in the photographic record suggest otherwise? Could 9/11 really have been set up by agencies within the USA itself? The author opens the conspiracy casebook by examining the mindset of those who believe in conspiracies, and considers whether the dismissive attitude towards them has been fair.

[Nen Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good beginner's guide to some of the best known conspiracy theories. Fairly balanced (although you suspect the author is something of a conspiracy theorist himself), and the inclusion of historical and proven theories added credibility to a subject that is often seen as bonkers.

[Tina Milledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up for a flick through on a campsite. Interesting! Some parts more so than others. I think the author did a good job of organising the book and presenting information and speculations. At least I know what Watergate is now, having never followed American politics!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction

[Jack Reilly Gillic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book because I’m part of the New World Order.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a conspiracy theory then you will love this book. It's fab and I enjoyed learning more in depth about the biggest conspiracy theories going!!

[Emandherbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was an interesting beginners look into conspiracy theories - with lots of facts, definitions, history and examples! Eye opening look at past events which leaves the reader to make their own mind up.

I didn’t read this is one go, but over a few weeks.

[London · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Thank you for the ARC of this given to me from NetGalley. The following review is unbiased.

I enjoyed this. I'm a little bit obsessed with conspiracies and people who try to both hold on to them and debunk them. For someone who wants to know more this is a great starting off point for sure. It's likely to be extremely entertaining for someone who's just starting to test the water of this subject.

This book is a re-release with added information.

[Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is based on a pre-release version of the book.

In Western culture there are many conspiracy theories afoot... from the older ones (Pearl Harbor, the sinking of the Lusitania) to more modern (JFK, Paul is Dead, The Moon Landing) to present day (Princess Diana, 9/11, Bin Laden). There are also conspiracy theories that are more timeless, like space aliens, the Illuminati and general New World Order goodness.

This book attempts to give an Executive-level overview into all of the above conspiracies, and several more. Mr. Thomas does do some good in pointing out what may be actual holes in the perception of truth, he often turns a blind eye to the fact that people are fallible.

A case in point is one person identified Oswald's gun as a specific model, but official reports changed it to something else. While this could mean there where hijinks afoot, the more likely explanation is that the first person was simply not as much of a gun expert as they thought.

To be fair, he does admit some of the theories stray pretty far into lunatic territory, and that the truth to any story is probably somewhere between the "official" version and the theorist's viewpoint.

It's a pretty interesting read, and unless you're well-versed on most conspiracies, you're probably going to learn something out of this. Plus, there are a lot of websites at the end for further research (or possible trolling on message boards.)

At the end of each chapter, he gives a short pro and con for the conspiracy holding water. While he clearly seems to give a lot of the conspiracies more credit than I do, he doesn't try to make the reader feel particularly stupid for not believing in the conspiracy.

And I'd never heard that Prince Charles was a lizard. Can't say I believe that one at all.

[Laura Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing!

So while some of it may be on the hype I had for this in my head… I’ll warn you. It’s not some comprehensive investigation into each case, or even a half--- well you know, a half attempt. It gives an overall view of the conspiracies, and while Thomas goes into some small amount of effort to point out “holes” he also seems to ignore any areas where human error or something normal could be explained.

I will say that for the beginner in conspiracies you should learn a thing or two. But for those who already knew a little, it won’t be much new. I did like that at the end of each explanation there’s a list for pros and cons to the conspiracy.

My recommendation? Do you own research. Sure it could be a starting point here, but this won’t be something you can use for any argumentative papers in class.

[Richard Cosgrove · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good conspiracy theory, even when they're blatantly ridiculous, an this book does an adequate job of pulling together some thoughts on some of the more popular ones. 9/11, Kennedy, Diana, 7/7 and more are covered and although none of them are examined in any great detail - you're best reading dedicated books on any that interest you for real in depth analysis - there's enough here to give you food for thought and promote additional reading.

Andy Thomas does a good job of introducing each conspiracy, offering thoughts for and against each of them and then summarising the facts and issues but without actually passing judgement. Conspiracies is an easy and entertaining read and perfect to be plucked off the shelf on occasion when discussions turn to any of the conspiracies covered.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a brief overview of conspiracy theories (after stumbling on a particularly ridiculous website with blurred as hell photos of "UFOs") and that's exactly what you get with this book. Explores the most famous conspiracies alongside some I'd never heard of. The one thing I wish had been included was more discussion of the inconsistencies of the theories themselves as opposed to just the official story.

Can't wait till they finally prove the Queen is a lizard btw, that'll be a fun day for us all!!!!

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview of different conspiracies (fake lunar landing, Illuminati, etc.). Nothing really new here though. But like its title implies...it's a guide, not a comprehensive investigation. I would recommend for anyone not familiar with basic theory and looking for a fairly objective summary.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information of different conspiracies that have been talked about by thousands of people all over the world, some news one that I have not heard about too.

Really interesting read would be happy to recommend to everyone that has a interest in Conspiracies.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starting point, and offers small but concise understanding of its theories, which can be used for solid foundations and taken further.

[Kacule · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think of this book as a brief overview of conspiracy theories, you won't be disappointed, but don't expect further research. As this was my first book of this type, I'm satisfied.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balanced.