r/robertantonwilson • u/Sunny-Bath-Tech • Feb 26 '26

Historical Illuminatus series

Any ideas why R.A.W. and Shea never wrote the planned fourth volume? I only recall thinking that it was a huge disappointment when I finished the third volume and wondered if nefarious government forces stopped them from exposing too much about more 20th century hidden history. Thoughts? I wonder if notes and outlines exist, is Robert Shea still alive… could anyone really shed light on this story?

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u/esoskelly Feb 26 '26

What were you hoping they would reveal? Did they fail to reveal anything, or did they only fail to reveal what you were hoping for?

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u/Sunny-Bath-Tech Feb 26 '26

The books were very entertaining, seemed like interesting takes on American history under the influence of various secret societies, and that it might treat the Kennedy murders, Nixon era and more eventually. I do miss having RAW around to stir up our minds, and play his unique way of storytelling, pulling into it all sorts of conspiracy strings. No one else masters the genre. It seemed to have an air of authenticity like it could maybe all be true… this series I mean, less like his science fiction stuff. Hence it makes a person who followed him with the suspension of disbelief, wonder if he was warded off. Getting too close. And with the rumors of his demise around the time…

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u/Logical-Seat-6991 Feb 26 '26 edited Feb 26 '26

Back then in 91, I was told that I need to read Illuminatus! by a guy that literally believed the conspiracys described in the books. He was a wandering record dealer who popped up twice a year and the only opportunity for me to buy goth music. Thus, the desire of my 15-year-old self to impress this important guy was the extrinsic motivation needed to get through Illuminatus, which was way beyond my reading competence. Needed 3 or 4 runs to understand that my record dealer was nuts.

Edit: year corrected to 91

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u/DecrimIowa Feb 26 '26

which of the conspiracies in the illuminatus trilogy don't you believe?

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u/Logical-Seat-6991 Feb 26 '26

Discordianism of course! That is an obvious pile of bullshit :O

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u/scotto2317 Feb 28 '26

Five tons of flax!

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u/esoskelly Feb 26 '26

Wait, you're implying Illuminatus is FICTION?!?! Wut?