Topic: Illuminatus Trilogy

Chris Knowles explains his motivation for writing a novel that encapsulates the formless, leaderless culture of modern conspiracy and the paranormal. He cites Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum and Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus Trilogy as major influences that initiated readers into complex occult worldviews. The goal of the book is to provide a palatable entry point for those unfamiliar with these philosophies through an entertaining thriller.

The Illuminatus Trilogy, co-authored by Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea, was heavily influenced by Discordian philosophy and the authors' time as editors at Playboy. While working at the Playboy forum, Wilson and Shea received numerous letters about wild conspiracies, which they incorporated into their fiction. The trilogy serves as a primary entry point for many people into the world of Discordianism and the Bavarian Illuminati.