Swamy Princzz

From websites, videos, and books, to a wealth of online chatter, the Illuminati, a purported collective of influencers working to create a better world for the good of humanity, would appear to be a thing. But whether or not the group even exists is up for (heated) debate. What historiography supports is not its modern existence but rather its place in the past–and also how it has shaped and inspired many forms of modern alternative movements. Robert Howells, author of The Illuminati: The Counter Culture Revolution–From Secret Societies to Wikileaks and Anonymous, became interested in secret societies, heresies, and revolutionary cultures during his days as a manager at Watkins Books, an old mystical and spiritual bookshop in London. There he encountered alleged members of various underground societies; their stories fueled his interest in looking deeper. We talked to him about the history of the Illuminati, how the group gained and lost momentum, and why many believe in its modern existence.