The sequel to the cult classic The Illuminatus! Trilogy, this is an epic fantasy that offers a twisted look at our modern-day world--a reality that...
read full description
reviews
Sep 22, 2009
Morgan
rated it: 
I read this before I read the Illuminatus! Trilogy, and though it only took me one time through that and one and half times through this, I enjoyed this so much better.
For one, it's much sillier.
For another, it's more scifi.
For another, it made much more sense.
Not that I didn't like Illuminatus!, just that Schrödinger's was much more digestible. Less conspiracy theory, less Christian-related mythology. More scifi, in other words. But still crazy More...
For one, it's much sillier.
For another, it's more scifi.
For another, it made much more sense.
Not that I didn't like Illuminatus!, just that Schrödinger's was much more digestible. Less conspiracy theory, less Christian-related mythology. More scifi, in other words. But still crazy More...
Jul 27, 2011
Dave
rated it: 
These books, in essence a sequel to the brilliant Illuminatus! Trillogy (The book that invented the Illuminati), start of quite dated and generally absurd, with some fairly typical set-pieces you'd expect from a bunch of pot-addled, coke-snorting alcoholic genius quantum nerds but then it really does start to get very interesting. The second book in the series recasts many of the original characters in different roles, genders, races and so on but keeps a general theme of 'quantum those says al
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 14, 2010
Will
rated it: 
After reading the Illuminatus Trilogy, I was really anticipating this novel. Robert Anton Wilson's high mind style of writing is enjoyable, if a bit fractured. I really had high hopes.
This book fell kind of flat however, as Mr. Wilson attempts to visualize the concept of the multiverse my creating different versions of each of his characters, many of whom first appeared in the Illuminatus. However what the author does not do is adhere to any kind of real plot, and just when you th More...
This book fell kind of flat however, as Mr. Wilson attempts to visualize the concept of the multiverse my creating different versions of each of his characters, many of whom first appeared in the Illuminatus. However what the author does not do is adhere to any kind of real plot, and just when you th More...
Aug 31, 2011
Jim
rated it: 
Quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. I can say this with reasonable certainty because any other books that might have qualified for that distinction (anything Hemingway, Joyce's Ulysses come to mind) I would never have finished. I've reached a point in my life where my time is too valuable to waste on stupid things. If I've gotten all I can out of a book, or all I expect I can get, then there is no point reading further.
With Wilson, I had to finish for several reasons:
1) I needed to s More...
With Wilson, I had to finish for several reasons:
1) I needed to s More...
Oct 13, 2007
Virginia
rated it:
Necessary for everyday survival.
Also, as a total bonus, totally messes with your head.
I have two different editions of this book (first edition and the edition listed above) and they're substantially different. Heh.
Also, as a total bonus, totally messes with your head.
I have two different editions of this book (first edition and the edition listed above) and they're substantially different. Heh.
4 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jun 01, 2011
Ryan
rated it: 
If you've read Wilson before, then you should know exactly what to expect from this book. I wouldn't call him a one-trick pony, but he certainly has his themes and he sticks with them. This book is more about its ideas than its writing: a mash-up of Timothy Leary, Joyce, a mostly-correct understanding of quantum mechanics, sex, drugs, conspiracies, politics, mysticism and the absurd.
The title draws upon quantum mechanics, and Wilson seems to be attempting an illustration of Everett & W More...
The title draws upon quantum mechanics, and Wilson seems to be attempting an illustration of Everett & W More...
Nov 18, 2007
Jessica
rated it:
I was crazy about these books when I read them in high school (thanks, Matthew!). In my opinion they were way better and funnier than the Illuminati series, and were probably one of the dorkier things I've ever read. I thought Infinite Jest seemed kind of indebted to some devices here -- e.g., in alternate universes, genitalia is referred to by names of Supreme Court justices, i.e., "He had an enormous, throbbing Rehnquist" (this obviously stayed with me) -- though probably that sort o
More...
Dec 16, 2009
Amelia
rated it:
This book might sting if you're not careful. My favorite thing about this book is that I keep loaning it to people, and not only does it never come back, but most of them actually get at least half of the obscure references to out-of-print pagan theologies, tenets of physics and aging Lovecraft novels. Says something about my circle of friends.
Like most of Wilson's work, this book pushes you a little outside of your comfort zone. More than just a fascinating read, it will really affect th More...
Like most of Wilson's work, this book pushes you a little outside of your comfort zone. More than just a fascinating read, it will really affect th More...
Dec 17, 2008
Ryan
rated it:
This book is a collection of three Robert Anton Wilson books. I was only able to get through the first two before putting it away. The tone is very pretentious and it is agonizingly boring at times. The only thing that kept me reading as long as I did was the occasional interesting concept that would pop into the story. The second book was far better than the first but still not great. I would not recommend this to anyone unfamiliar with RAW. It is not his best work.
Nov 21, 2011
Paul
rated it:
Lots of the characters from Illumninatus return, and many of the themes from it are featured again. This trilogy is more concerned with science, in particular Quantum Theory, than conspiracy, however. As usual with RAW, there is plenty of humour, and endless references to literature, science, politics, etc. The book lacks a strong plot, but the writing style succeeds in drawing threads together, making the books an enjoyable reading experience.
Mar 16, 2009
Annie
rated it:
This is like a less serious Kurt Vonnegut with a higher common denominator of reader in mind. At first, I wasn't really interested. But, I stuck with it and it gets pretty hilarious and all the characters become like kind of like those wacky miserable friends who can never seem to get life right, but are all much more interesting for being that way.
I don't know if you should necessarily try to learn anything from this. Most of it is lies, and what isn't lies is more confusing than it More...
I don't know if you should necessarily try to learn anything from this. Most of it is lies, and what isn't lies is more confusing than it More...
Oct 25, 2010
Ray
rated it:
If you know who Robert Anton Wilson is and have not already read this then please expand your reality tunnel a slight bit more and check this out.
If you have an interest in Quantum Physics, alternative realities, enjoy reading Robert A. Heinlein and can keep track of all of the characters and plots, and have ever been a psycho-naut then read this.
If you have an interest in Quantum Physics, alternative realities, enjoy reading Robert A. Heinlein and can keep track of all of the characters and plots, and have ever been a psycho-naut then read this.
Feb 25, 2010
Andrewcharles420
rated it:
One of the most influential books I've read in the past few years. If the plot has a focus--which I do not mean to assert--it is likely that we as humans do not fully recognize or comprehend our primate lineage and ancestry and the social and societal implications of this are enormous. Mind changing book. [Dated here at second reading:]
Apr 03, 2010
Erik
rated it:
This book can be read without reading the Illuminatus Trilogy to which some of its characters and themes relate. Interesting in concept, this one-volume edition fails, perhaps because of its having been edited down in size from the three-volume edition, perhaps simply because Wilson is not a very good writer.
May 04, 2010
Nathaniel
rated it:
A fun conceptual exercise, but Wilson's chatty, jokey, pleased-with-his-own-cleverness style prevents one forming any true connections with the characters. Maybe in shorter doses the humor would stay fresh, but reading the whole trilogy in quick succession I found many of the running gags growing tired.
Jun 01, 2009
Garrett
rated it:
Read and enjoy the playful, and magical use of words within this book. Wilson was one outstanding writer whose knowledge of linguistics was so deep.The way he used this knowledge is one to be studied, and inspired by imo.
Jan 27, 2009
Jenilyoness
rated it:
Wilson is funny, but full of himself. Sometimes this book was practically prophetic in a creepy kinda way. Eigen states is a concept I'll carry w/ me forever now.
Jul 26, 2010
Kendra
rated it:
I wanted so badly to like this book as the premise and the information included were fascinating but the narration didn't pull me in so I ended up putting it down...
Aug 18, 2009
Sean
rated it:
Great mind-bending, chaotic nerd paradise with enough inside humor to split your sides. Not for the faint of heart or mind.
Jul 23, 2009
Flo
rated it:
Intriguing premise, a bit eclectic and frenetic. I think Wilson is an acquired taste. Actually, I never got past Book Two because I think I developed ADHD -- not from the quantum physics (the basics of which I am slightly familiar), but from Wilson's numerous characters and the almost incoherent development of them.
Dec 18, 2007
Rea
rated it:
Even though the majority of this book is set around my birth year, I can still appericate the notions and issues the author is refering to and poking fun at. The author even inserts himself in the novels and jokes about doing so. You have to give it some time in the beginning but it quickly captures your curiosity. Extrememly fluid to read, despite numerous references to quantum science. Alternative realities to the writing of the American consitution and World War II and excellent ending! I'm n
More...
Aug 05, 2011
Nick
rated it:
The "sequel" if you can call it that, to the Illuminatus Trigology. I actually prefer this set to Illuminatus.
May 13, 2011
im not sure what to make of this book. it reminded me of the last two books i read by him so much that it wasn't saying anything new. i stopped reading this for now.
Apr 05, 2011
Malette
rated it:
Another really thought provoking satire about who we think we are and why we aren't. A must read for anyone who thinks for themselves.
Jan 29, 2009
Valerie
rated it:
I read this because my husband loved it. I, of course, couldn't stand it. Go figure.
Dec 09, 2008
David
rated it:
Not as good as Illuminatus! Trilogy but still very funny and entertaining.
Apr 19, 2010
Samantha
rated it:
the book that changed my life. wilson concocts parallel universes that frighteningly resemble our own...because they're supposed to. every name is an amalgamated reference, and wilson manipulates other names into verbs that descibe persons all too well. for example, blow job is a steinem job. then there's the Nihilist Anarchistic Horde, or NAH for short. the list goes on. wilson is a genius. wilson is my fvorite author hands down. i've read this book about five times, and every time there's bund
More...
