[UA] Historical Ascensions

[Rick Neal]

>Todd Erickson wrote:
>> 
>> *grin* Can the Illuminatus Trilogy be at all considered required
>> reading for UA?
>> 
>> Todd
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>
></editorial on>
>
>God I hope not, as I consider it an incredibly self-indulgent
>exercise in poorly written tripe that is bloated, confused and
>declared "great" based more on the concept of its existence than
>ther terribly poor line-by-line writing.  It's a sophomore English 
>assignment run amuck.
>
></editorial off>
>
>-- 
>Michael Daisey

I think that may be a little harsh. It's just what you get when you have 
someone who thinks that Finnegan's Wake by Joyce is the greatest work in 
English Literature (Wilson) sitting down to write a plot-based story with 
someone who thinks that plot-based stories are fun (Shea). Admittedly, 
it's not great literature, but it _is_ full of kooky ideas that can turn 
your brain around. Self-indulgent? Well, I certainly can't argue with 
that, but at least it indulged me, too. This book pretty much marked the 
beginning of my interest in matters arcane and conspiratorial. I've read 
much better since then, like Fouccault's Pendulum (which, in my opinion, 
takes itself _far_ too seriously, a failing that Illuminatus! certainly 
avoids), and actual "historical" accounts, like The Hiram Key (revealing 
the true origins and secrets of the freemasons (yeah. Egyptians. sure.)), 
but the good ol' Illuminatus! trilogy does have a special place in my 
heart. I love it, grotesque facial deformities and all.

Just my opinion, of course.

Rick Neal


It is always best to be a little improbable.
     - Oscar Wilde