The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories (Facts on File Crime Library) [Hardcover]

Michael Newton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Conspiracies and conspiracy theories, both documented and undocumented, abound in our world. Many of these, even though documented, are only theoretical and not actual fact, and as author Newton states, "some are absurd, transparently ridiculous, or even physically impossible." However, they certainly make for fascinating reading.

This volume's 500-plus entries are arranged alphabetically and encompass people; conspiratorial organizations and movements; nations involved in conspiracies; specific events; and general essays on social, political, or religious movements. The selection of topics represents what Newton considers "significant" conspiracy and conspiracy theories--that is, those that affect large numbers of people or inspire widespread interest. Entries are typically one-half to three and one-half pages in length. Names or terms in small caps within an entry refer to subjects with their own entries. The volume contains more than 80 black-and-white photographs. The 200 or so listings in the bibliography are limited to sources published or translated in the English language.

Topics include those one would expect to find: Alien abductions, Holocaust and Holocaust denial, Iran-Contra conspiracy, Oklahoma City bombing, and UFOs. Treating less-familiar theories are Barbie dolls, Suppressed inventions, and Undead outlaws. There are also entries on police departments from several major cities, such as Chicago and L.A. In addition to John F. Kennedy, other presidents have entries--for example, both Bushes, Clinton, Johnson, Lincoln, Nixon, and Washington.

Many entries overlap with those in the more scholarly Conspiracy Theories in American History: An Encyclopedia (ABC-CLIO, 2003). However, several subjects in the volume under review are not in the 2003 publication (e.g., Apollo project; Enron; Silkwood, Karen; Simpson, O. J.; USA Patriot Act). With their different scopes, both works would be a great addition to a library's collection. If funds won't allow the purchase of both, however, this recent volume would be a good choice on its own, especially for high-school and public libraries. kaye talley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 426 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File (October 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816055408
• ISBN-13: 978-0816055401
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,366,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A California native, Michael Newton has published 215 books under his own name and various pseudonyms since 1977. He began writing professionally as a "ghost" for author Don Pendleton on the best-selling Executioner series and continues his work on that series today. With 104 episodes published to date, Newton has nearly tripled the number of Mack Bolan novels completed by creator Pendleton himself.

Newton's first book under his own name was Monsters, Mysteries and Man (1979), a survey of unexplained phenomena for younger readers. While 156 of Newton's published books have been novels--including westerns, political thrillers and psychological suspense--he is best known for nonfiction, primarily true crime and reference books.

His firearms manual for writers, Armed and Dangerous (1990), remains a best-seller for Writer's Digest Books in its 8th printing. Newton's Encyclopedia of Serial Killers (Facts on File, 2000) is currently in its second edition. His history of the Florida Ku Klux Klan, The Invisible Empire (2001), won the Florida Historical Society's 2002 Rembert Patrick Award for Best Book in Florida History. His Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology was just named as one of twelve books on the American Library Association's 2006 List of Outstanding Reference Sources. Newton's shorter work includes horror fiction, true crime articles and case histories for Court TV's Crime Library online.

He is a member of several organizations, including the Centre for Fortean Zoology, the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club and Feral Cat Friends Inc.

His 24 upcoming books, scheduled for release through 2011, include 8 novels and 16 nonfiction works. He lives in Nashville, Indiana.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, if not a bit Misleading, December 31, 2005

By 

Kevin Birmingham (Madison, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories (Paperback)

I say misleading because of the title, "Conspiracies & Conspiracy Theories." Many of the entries in this book don't explain why they are considered conspiracies, but instead talk about how they are in fact interesting.
Other than that, this is one of the most interesting books I have read in a very long while. Of course, it covers all the biggest theories: JFK assassination, alien abuctions, and the Holocaust denial, to name a few. But it also covers a huge range of topics, from secret government operations, to entire countries and everything in between.
This is a intriguing book for everyone, the conspiracy theorists, the non-believers, and the people who just like to read about weird stuff. Only the thickest of skeptics would read this book and not raise an eyebrow or two.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Heavily biased drivel, January 5, 2006

By 

Richochet541 (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories (Paperback)

Although the author claims in the forward that he is merely relaying these conspiracies and has no opinion, his extremely biased opinion is starkly apparent throughout. Additionally, some of the accounts are relayed using blanket statements without a source or explanation as to how the conclusion was arrived at. If a particular conspiracy did not fit the political views of the writer, it was vehemently attacked. If it did, many crucial points were glossed over. According to this book, the CIA, FBI, and the Mafia, have been the root of all evil during the 20th Century

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Really a Conspiracy bible, December 30, 2007

By 

Meijer Goldstein (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories (Paperback)

A very beneficial book but contains very few topics on conspiracy. Most are short 1/3 page stores about very interesting topics such as The templars, Al Queda and a bunch of other unrelated ideas. Overall, it is more like one of those books that tell you the 500 most useful books ever. You can use this book as a guideline to become better informed about the dark history of politics.