Behold a Pale Horse (1991)

I’d recommend this book because it’s fascinating to anybody with an interest in American government. Even if you don’t agree with William Cooper’s ideas (and I certainly didn’t agree with many of them), it’s an interesting read and an excellent jumping-off point for additional research of your own.

I initially picked up this book because I love reading about UFOs, and I was interested in reading about them from the perspective of an “inside” man. In that respect, I was disappointed, only because I feel the description on the back of the book misrepresented what it was about. Basically, this is a book positing Cooper’s theory that the Illuminati control the world (although there are many other things in it as well, UFOs included).

It’s hard to take this book seriously because of the poor writing, disorganization, and slightly underhanded comments scattered throughout the text. I think I would have enjoyed this so much more (and it would have been more credible) had the research been well-organized and rational, without Cooper’s numerous ad hominem mini-diatribes directed at those who do not share his views.

If you’re really interested in this subject matter, I’d recommend this book simply because William Cooper is a fairly prominent figure in conspiracy theory, and familiarity with his beliefs can’t be a bad thing, especially if you’re like me and enjoy doing your own research after reading a book. At the very least, it will make you think -- and if you’re a diehard skeptic, you’ll enjoy rolling your eyes at it. ( )