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

by Robert Anton Wilson, Miriam Joan Hill

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 Soviet Union) UFO sighting, the Campus Crusade for Cthulhu to the Mothman prophecies, and everything in between. What do the Freemasons, the Kennedys, and Princess Diana have in common? All are at the center of gigantic conspiracy theories with incredibly complex and endlessly multiplying twists, turns, highways and byways. Arranged by alphabetical entries which include cross-references to other entries in the book and also provide addresses to related sites on the Web, this book is truly interactive — you can dip in, read through, or follow one of the URLs from an interesting entry onto the internet.

What some famous people say about Robert Anton Wilson:

"A dazzling barker hawking tickets to the most thrilling tilt-a-whirls and daring loop-o-planes on the midway to higher consciousness."
--Tom Robbins
"Wilson managed to reverse every mental polarity in me, as if I had been pulled through infinity."
—Philip K. Dick
"One of the most important scientific philosophers of his century — scholarly, witty, scientific, hip and hopeful."
—Dr. Timothy Leary

Genres: Nonfiction, Conspiracy Theories, Reference, Occult, History, Philosophy, Politics

435 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Robert Anton Wilson was an American author, futurist, psychologist, and self-described agnostic mystic. Recognized within Discordianism as an Episkopos, pope and saint, Wilson helped publicize Discordianism through his writings and interviews. In 1999 he described his work as an "attempt to break down conditioned associations, to look at the world in a new way, with many models recognized as models or maps, and no one model elevated to the truth". Wilson's goal was "to try to get people into a state of generalized agnosticism, not agnosticism about God alone but agnosticism about everything."
In addition to writing several science-fiction novels, Wilson also wrote non-fiction books on extrasensory perception, mental telepathy, metaphysics, paranormal experiences, conspiracy theory, sex, drugs, and what Wilson called "quantum psychology".
Following a career in journalism and as an editor, notably for Playboy, Wilson emerged as a major countercultural figure in the mid-1970s, comparable to one of his coauthors, Timothy Leary, as well as Terence McKenna.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an encyclopedia, and if you don't like reading encyclopedias you won't like it. In the Age of Wikipedia, EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL can seem a bit quaint. It's also a bit dated; 20 years old now, Wilson's book spends a bit too much time talking about conspiracy theories which were very much on our collective minds in the 90s, but which don't make a whole lot of press or sense now. The most obvious example of this is repressed memory therapy, which Wilson clearly finds not just laughable but outright dangerous, traumatizing as it does individuals and their families. There are multiple entries in various facets of this practice, as well as AIDS conspiracies that are not even remotely plausible today, when we have made so much amazing progress (at least in the US) treating the disease.

All that said, Wilson is still a cultural treasure and even something as seemingly dry as an encyclopedia is actually quite funny, thanks to his voice. EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL also does the two things encyclopedias are best at doing: educating, and prompting one's curiosity. I read it with my web browser handy so I could look up the people and places he name-drops, just to get a 2016 update on them. And I have many notes; elements of this book which will get worked into other projects of my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL, but I had to work a bit to do so.

[Sologuboved · Rating 4 out of 5]

No conceptual frame to speak of, and quite a bit of juggling, but fun and not bad for catching up with the polyphony / mishmash of the conspirological thinking or what goes for such.

[David B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilson and co-author Hill present a breezy overview of conspiracy thinking that is concise and entertaining even if it is not comprehensive. A novice to the world of conspiracy, I enjoyed starting with an entry and following the cross-references around the book. The JFK assassination, UFOs, organized religion, the Council on Foreign Relations, the plan to genetically engineer a flying elephant--it's all here. Even if you, like me, believe that conspiracy enthusiasts are out to lunch, you may find something here to give you pause. For me, it was the suspicious information regarding the US currency and Constitution.

[JT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since it is effectively an encyclopedia, this is not a sit down and read from A-Z sort of book. It is, however, a fantastic compendium to keep around the house for reference, laughs, and great quick reads from time to time.

The book cross references itself throughout, so like Wikipedia, you'll find yourself jumping around from topic to intertwined topic (feeding the octopus conspiracy sort of stuff the book deals with).

For anyone that finds crackpot, and occasionally reasonable, conspiratology funny and intriguing, this is easily a five star book. You too can find out about how Michael Jackson is possibly an alien or just how many people the Clinton administration allegedly bumped off.

Wilson is a lifelong student and chronicler of conspiracy theories with a unique (and very funny) sense of humor that pervades all of his work--he realizes how ridiculous many of the tales are and lets the reader laugh along.

Five stars for funny and intriguing subject matter and strong, humorous voice in a reference work.

[Shelly Bajwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who has literally grown up on tomes of encyclopaedias, this was reminder of all the moments spent on a lazy afternoon on a balcony, trying to decipher the various questions buzzing in my head. On to the book, this was my first Robert Anton Wilson book and I was surprised to see the utter wit and sass that had been incorporated into the writing, making it not only an informative but an enjoyable read too. If you are looking for a Wikipedia kind of a book, with lengthy details, this book isn't for you. Written in a true encyclopaedia format, the topics are organised alphabetically and proper references given as footnotes for further, detailed study. I had to read this one slowly, to understand so many things casually mentioned which made it feel like a research project on its own! Hauling more books by the author soon!

[Kevin Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. By putting all the different conspiracies together, in one volume, it shows how many different things are afoot. Whenever your focus gets too narrow, it starts to seem like one group or cult or whatever is running the show, but that's just an error in thinking. Instead, it's hundreds, if not thousands of groups running the show, and they're all weird, most of them are heartless sociopaths. That's why any of them are ever exposed: the others expose them, and try to seize their niche in the world.

I can't remember who said it, but there's a famous old quote that goes something like this: the history of the world is the history of warfare between secret societies.

[Chris LaMay-West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This was my bedtime reading for several months, and it made me alternately more paranoid and more skeptical, as Robert Anton Wilson provides his trademark agnosticism while cataloging every conspiracy of the right, left and middle. I got more background on areas I already knew well, and was introduced to some whole new dread cabals and twisted plots. I also had a lot of fun launching web searches while I was reading for further research. It pays to do that, as some things seem less deep, dark and mysterious when you do that, but some get more so. By the time you are done, you may start to get the feeling that reality itself is a conspiracy...

[David Bonesteel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilson and co-author Hill present a breezy overview of conspiracy thinking that is concise and entertaining even if it is not comprehensive. A novice to the world of conspiracy, I enjoyed starting with an entry and following the cross-references around the book. The JFK assassination, UFOs, organized religion, the Council on Foreign Relations, the plan to genetically engineer a flying elephant--it's all here. Even if you, like me, believe that conspiracy enthusiasts are out to lunch, you may find something here to give you pause. For me, it was the suspicious information regarding the US currency and Constitution.

[Matthew Q Lorenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, funny and (maybe) scary?

R.A.W writes in the usual humorist tone, while sharing what still amounts to the most popular conspire theories. As a novice, this book will appeal to learn, as a grizzled conspiracy vet, it'll serve to at least laugh at all the absurdities, whatever the truth really is.

I will say the book is too old in that most of the web links provided to follow up on his sources, no longer work. Which proved sad, but not the fault of the book. I'd love to see updated sources though.

All hail Bob. Or not.

[Forn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich bin mir bei R.A. Wilson ja nie sicher, wie ernst er das Ganze meint. Ich hatte mal versucht, dass mit der King James Bibel und Shakespeare zu verifizieren, hatte aber keinen Erfolg. Auf jeden Fall ist interessant, was die Leute alles so glauben. Manches regt auch durchaus zum ernsthaften Nachdenken an und man lernt auch den Begriff der Verschwörung in einem weiteren Kontext zu sehen. Ein Muss für jeden, der an diesem Thema Spaß hat. :D

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Anton Wilson pulls out all stops and jams everything nutty and conspiracy-related into this encyclopedia for nuts and cranks. Drawing material from numerous books written by loonies (himself included), pocket lint, internet rumors, things he found in his nose, junk mail he has received and more(!) he outlines many (though certainly not all) fantasies of conspiratorially minded crazy people of 1998 with wit and not a small amount of skepticism.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alphabetized reference guide listing and describing secret societies, conspiracy theories, etc. The entries, which are cross-referenced with each other, are sometimes short in length; however, Wilson supplies web addresses for readers who want to find out more.

Acquired Jun 26, 2003
Powell's City of Books, Portland, OR

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The late Robert Anton Wilson is a compassionate, personable guide through the dark crevices and crannies of history, pseudo-history, and simple human wackiness. Feel free to believe any, or, why not, ALL of the shattering truths contained within. Just don't tell them I told you . . .

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranged in encyclopedia format, this book is a nice introduction to various conspiracies. It also does a nice job of pointing the reader toward other books to further educate on specific topics, including full entries on many important books.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good. It is more of a reference book and probably shouldn't be read from cover to cover. It had some neat conspiracy theories in it. While I believe there are some cover-ups and conspiracies I just can't believe there are that many.

[Kieran Telo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A primer of conspiracy theories. made-up theories (for example the significance of 23), stuff scratched on toilet walls, and generally any weird stuff you could possibly think of. Extremely funny at times and chasing the cross-references around the book is great fun.

[Craig J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like any Robert Anton Wilson book, you end it feeling like there are at least 23 things you want to know more about. Not quite as exhilarating as many of his other books, but definitely a worthwhile reference work.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone loves a conspiracy. There are plenty to choose from here.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice encyclopedia on conspiracy theories. but keep in mind the main word "theory."

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

an encyclopedia of conspiracy theories, from the cosmic to the mundane. nothing if not fun. should be a part of everyone's research library, if the possibility of world-wide conspiracy is yr thing.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hysterical rundown of various conspiracy theories, compiled by someone who obviously doesn't believe the vast majority of them. Great fun to read.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great as an encyclopedia - but not exactly a read cover-to-cover type of book.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much rehash but still a lot of fun.

[Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for LARPwriters and other strange people who need ideas about various conspiracy theories written in a style that amuses and informs at the same time.

[Micelle Miseracorde]

tons of fun in the conspiracy cage.

[Keith Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this material is familiar if you have ever read about conspiracy theories, but Robert Anton Wilson was the king of conspiracy theory fiction, so his authorship makes this book a must read.

[Dave Haskins]

Weirdness

[Amanda M. Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

To out it concisely: chock full of nuts.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good. Though it was missing the one big conspiracy I really like reading about.

It didn't go into a vast amount of detail, but good for beginning research.

[Lina Edgarsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that this book is more of a compendium, I had no trouble reading it from first to last page. An interesting read that kept me up many nights just wanting to read "one more".