Robert Anton Wilson's Cosmic Trigger, Volume II: Down To Earth by Robert Anton Wilson
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Book Reviews of Robert Anton Wilson's Cosmic Trigger, Volume II: Down To Earth
Book Review: A decent follow-up, but nothing outstanding
Summary: 3 Stars
R.A. Wilson's "Cosmic Trigger: The Final Secret of the Illuminati" was a fascinating look at the events leading up to the writing of the classic Illuminatus! Trilogy. An intriguing look at relativism in literature and reality, the first Cosmic Trigger delightfully wove acid, Uncle Al, and conspiracy theories into a head-trip of "cosmic" proportions. Wilson's follow-up, unfortunately, fails to break any new ground.Cosmic Trigger II is an interesting little book, and fun to read in these times of Bush II (Son of Huge Berserk Rebel Warthog? Or Insane Anglo Warlord reborn?). Wilson delves into his childhood, his education, his time in Ireland, his visit to communist East Germany, and yet another fold in his conspiracies- the Knights of Malta and their connections to fascists, the Mob, and the Republican Party.
All in all, CT II is a fun read, but nothing exceptional. If you spy a cheap copy in a used book bin, pick it up for a morning read, but otherwise don't bother.
Book Review: Watch Out
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is a collection of very short essays that (as a whole) does not even come close to approaching the quality and originality of the first book in the series. Vol. 2 is a decent read, but if you are expecting more of Cosmic Trigger Vol. 1, you will be very disappointed. This book is much more biographical than Vol. 1 and less "out there". RAW details growing up in a sheltered neighborhood, living in Ireland, the Mafia connections to the Vatican and the CIA, and many other things. All in all, it was interesting, but after the excellent Vol.1, I was expecting something a little more cosmic in scope.Book Review: George Burns was right!
Summary: 2 Stars
It's funny how Robert Anton Wilson's chosen subject matter has effectively invalidated criticism of his books. One of his central themes is the mistrust of authority and "experts". Also, much of the chapters in any of his book are dedicated to intentionally misleading the reader in order to force said reader into performing the heinous task of thinking for themselves.Since this is the case, how can we trust any of the reviews of his work? All of these are written by people who have read at least one of his books, and probably more. Are these people railing against his work actually serious in their hatred? Do the people praising it actually believe in what they're saying?
I'm going to go on record and say that this is probably the most lucid and thought out of his non-fiction books.
But to illustrate the point, why did I only rate it two stars? Why not one? Why not five? What does George Burns have to do with anything?
Only recommended if you can stomach the thought of reality laughing behind your back.