For those who want a source on the history of the Bavarian Illuminati who wasn't batshit insane, try
http://www.sacred-texts.com/sro/mhj/index.htm
This is the third part (of four) of Abbé Barreul's massive polemic history of the French Revolution. This portion of this book is of interest because it contains extensive quotes from the actual literature of the Bavarian Illuminati. This is the most comprehensive work in English on the historical theory, structure and practice of the Bavarian Illuminati. It complements Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy, the other major contemporary account.
Founded in 1776, shortly before the American Revolution, the Bavarian Illuminati were a secret society with a revolutionary ideology, and a centralized structure. According to Abbé Barreul, they subverted the Masonic lodges of Europe, and were one of the key driving forces behind the French Revolution. New members were gradually initiated into the group's radical ideas, which, according to Barreul, were atheist and anarchist in essence.
Barreul was very conservative, and his translator, Robert Edward Clifford, likewise. However, Barreul was a serious historian, even though he wrote from a decidedly non-neutral point of view. As a contemporary, he was able to view the primary source documents and interview participants. As such this book is today, in and of itself, a primary source.
Today, civil society in Europe and America has enshrined the ideas of 'Liberty and Equality' that Barreul thought would lead to the complete breakdown of civilization. The Bavarian Illuminati are considered by some to be the forerunners of the Communist and Fascist movements. However, as I have stated before, this is probably parallel evolution. The more paranoid believe that the Illuminati (or some equivalent, such as a cabal of reptilian shape-shifters) are still in business and manipulating, e.g., world leaders, the education system, and mass movements. But this is for the individual reader to decide... --J.B. Hare, May 11th, 2008.
Wait, the Illuminati were actually Bavarian in some way?
Tsk tsk, someone is clearly not up on their obscure 18th century history....
They were founded in and controlled from Bavaria, which was rather stupid seeing as how the Elector Palatine had banned all secret societies from the country.
Barreul wasn't batshit insane....however his book (and Robison's) has since inspired many people who were/are. (cf: Nesta Webster - anti-semite extraordinaire who managed to get the ear of Churchill's government and warn them of 'teh Zionist conspiracy.')
She believed she was the reincarnation of a French aristocrat executed during the French Revolution. Somehow or other she managed to connect that 'memory' with her hatred of Jews.
Barreul & Robison's work is pretty much the wellspring of all modern masonic conspiracy theories. Add deliberate mis-readings of Albert Pike's 'Morals & Dogma' and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a tin foil hat.
Yeah, I gathered this wasn't going to be an entirely neutral point of view when he called Wiesphaut an incestuous, god-denying, anarchistic murderer in the first couple of paragraphs :lol:
That aside, I think as a historical document it is useful, because he cites sources and uses quotes, and clearly knows about some of the structure of the Bavarian Illuminati. Just as soon as he starts making value judgements, its time to stop paying attention.
Quote from: Cain on August 04, 2008, 02:10:42 PM
Yeah, I gathered this wasn't going to be an entirely neutral point of view when he called Wiesphaut an incestuous, god-denying, anarchistic murderer in the first couple of paragraphs :lol:
That aside, I think as a historical document it is useful, because he cites sources and uses quotes, and clearly knows about some of the structure of the Bavarian Illuminati. Just as soon as he starts making value judgements, its time to stop paying attention.
:lulz:
Oops...there goes the journalistic objectivity.
I think it is useful too because this book really did set a precedent and provided the template for a lot of anti-masonic paranoia. It still getting cited today as an authoritative source.
I've read parts of Nesta Websters 'Secret Societies & Subversive Movements' which is basically a 1920s retread of Barreul. Apparently she had a brother(s?) either in or close to the British government. For a while she was a minor celeb and 'expert' on the occult. Much of the book is her explaining why she isn't an anti-semite......she's just really certain that the Jews are part of an international conspiracy to control the world.
I guess she was the David Icke of her day.
Quote from: Cain on August 04, 2008, 01:01:13 PM
Tsk tsk, someone is clearly not up on their obscure 18th century history....
They were founded in and controlled from Bavaria, which was rather stupid seeing as how the Elector Palatine had banned all secret societies from the country.
I read that wrong and blew snot. Thanks.
o_O
Oh, facts. You can prove anything with facts.