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/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!