Schrodinger's Cat Trilogy by Robert Anton Wilson
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Book Reviews of Schrodinger's Cat Trilogy
Book Review: Read Illuminatus Trilogy First....
Summary: 5 Stars
...and bear with this book. The style of writing is odd, as there are many "false starts" and "false endings". (I am trying not to be a spoiler here.) Things happen in the first third of the book that may cause the average reader to put it down and walk away. But I hung in there, and I was not disappointed.
Of the three Illuminatus trilogies: Illuminatus! Trilogy, Schrödinger's Cat, and Masks of the Illuminati. This is my favorite read. There is a great deal of conspiracy, quantum physics, alternate worlds and reality hopping going on. This is jarring at first, but as you get the hang of it, it becomes quite fun. I found myself enjoyably 'falling through' the book at an ever increasing speed. I DO feel that reading the first trilogy "Illuminatus!" (and enjoying it) is a pre-requisite for reading this one. If you didn't like the first one; sorry, don't bother reading this one. It shatters preconceptions at a much more alarming rate! You have to be ready to think on your feet or else the book will seem like just so much garbage to you!
It also helps if the reader has some experience with alternate reality science fiction. If you can grasp the whole "bearded Spock" thing from the "Mirror Mirror" episode, you're pretty much on your way. Quantum physics is often referred to, but a working knowledge is hardly necessary. (There is an appendix explaining Quantum physics basic concepts for the new learner. It is a nice primer, but hardly the final word.)
At first the reality changes at each chapter break, the characters change sexual orientation, jobs, personalities, relationships, and roles within the book. As the book progresses the reality changes more frequently and yet the whole thing just keeps rolling along to its ultimate punch line. I was engrossed, and sometimes confused, but once I realized what the author was doing, I just hung on for the ride and... IT WAS GREAT!
Think of this as the advanced class in reality tunnel expansion to the introductory class that is the Illuminatus! Trilogy. It seems much more Sci-Fi oriented than the original, but it's really not. I think Wilson just uses Quantum Physics as an entryway to expand the world view of the more scientifically oriented reader.
Book Review: James Joyce + Quantum Physics + Homer = A Joyous Read
Summary: 5 Stars
In speaking about this book, Wilson said "Like Ulysses, it's a parallel to Homer's Odyssey but it's all from the point of view of quantum mechanics; there isn't one universe, but many," Wilson said. "Schrodinger said that the only way to understand quantum physics is in terms of the Upanishads, with the concept of unity, that everything, no matter how different it seems, it's all aspects of one hidden thing we don't see.
"I think the dominant tendency in physics is to say that we shouldn't ask questions about the objective universe. All we can talk meaningfully about is the experimental universe, which involves us. Any method of observing imposes upon the thing the structure you're observing It through; your eye, your microscope, whatever. You can't leave the observer out."
In the book, Wilson uses the fundamental ideas in Quantum Mechanics, and Joyce's literary techniques, to craft a complex and subtle story that expands beyond the scope of the normal novel. He creates a world that is made of both fact and fancy, blending them so that the reader's certainty about reality begins to erode. While it is true that it lacks a standard narrative quality, it more than makes up for it with the lovingly detailed segments that, ultimately, fit together into an illuminant masterpiece that I found to be deeply satisfying.
One could argue that this work is analogous to Pointillism. Each part is a dot that, when seen as a whole, creates an amazing, funny, and beautiful picture.
Book Review: Mind Expanding
Summary: 5 Stars
This trilogy is structured to be the literary equivalent of quantum theory. For example, each part deals with a different potential universe, all similar to each other and our own, but with slight differences. So in one universe, for example, Carl Jung, vs. James Joyce, is the author of Ullyses (both being well versed in the same symbolism). Subplots begun in one universe are taken up in the next, like the influence of quarks. The main difference is that society in each subsequent universe is slightly more enlightened, therefore only the last Earth escapes total destruction at the hands of terrorists (or, like Schrodinger's cat, the Earth is alive, dead, or in a state of potential). Along the way, there are interesting lessons in Economics (noting, e.g., how we take money for granted as a part of society, but it isn't a necessary part of society, but just a construct), Sociology, etc. And it is filled with great, laugh out loud humour, sometimes Pythonesque. Without the help of the Illuminatus Trilogy's co-author, this book is far less literary, but it is filled with as many ideas in fewer pages. This is the best introduction to Wilson's work, fictional or non-fictional. Highly recommended.Book Review: everyone should read this
Summary: 5 Stars
Trying to write a review about this book without trying to sound too grandiose is quite difficult. What's it about? Well, it's about everything... how we view life, politics, social interaction, sex, religion etc. Is it any good? This question is asking for a subjective judgement, but if you are the kind of person who likes original and unique philosophical views delivered in a creative style that will entertain, humor and sometimes scare you, than yeah it is good. In my estimation, the book is beyond creative. As far as his writing style, the man is brilliant. Every page blasts away at your preconceived notions of what writing, thinking, living should be and gives the reader an invigorated new sense of life's unlimited possibilities. Why this author is not listed among the upper echelon of literary dignataries is beyond me. I mean seriously, most "classic" novels are deemed as such because they have captured an audience because of their timeless content, advanced writing style, indvidualistic voice and perhaps inspirational,universal message. This being the case, I cannot think of a better way to describe this book.Book Review: conspiracy, Bell's theorem, and a transmigrating phallus!
Summary: 5 Stars
Phazing in and out of space and time can get pretty hectic,so hold on to your...erm...appendages. Schrodinger's Cat is instruction by induction into contemporary Quantum Theory, as well as beinga damned hillarious novel. Wilson somehow strings together a cast of constant characters in a web of infinite probablities and many worlds who remain, despite certain environmental and anatomical changes, familiar to the reader. Were you sick the day they explained QuIP, Bells Theorem, and Non-Locality? Dont panic! Wilson even provides a glossary at the back of the book to help you thru the more technical bits of his trilogy. Discordians, Kabbalists, Terrorists, a Novelist, and a sex-doctor from the Orgasmor institute all find themselves crissing and crossing in space and time. Looking for that meta-theory that will explain everything? I found it in Schrodinger's cat. Buy this book now. That's what credit cards are for. That, and so that the secret government can trace your every move. Learn _their_ secrets. Buy this book.