BoingBoing
By Gareth Branwyn
APRIL 10, 2025
READ THE FULL REVIEW:
A FEW EXCERPTS FROM GARETH BRANWYN'S REVIEW. . .
"Beyond biography, Chapel Perilous doubles as a practical guide to Wilson's ideas and methods. It highlights, among other things, Wilson's take on conspiracy psychology, reality tunnels ("We don't see things as they are; we see things as we are"), model agnosticism (being open to anything, skeptical of everything), and hilaritas (consciously choosing cheerfulness and courage in the face of chaos). Reading through Chapel Perilous, one can't help but be struck by how alarmingly relevant many of RAW's ideas remain, in light of today's choose-your-own digital reality tunnel, where algorithms and oligarchs program the Holodeck."
"Kennedy's narrative style often mirrors Wilson's—blending storytelling, philosophy, absurdism, and good humor. The book avoids slipping into an all-out fawning hagiography, though Kennedy is squarely on Team RAW. The result is intellectually satisfying while also being deeply entertaining. Newcomers will find a rich introduction; longtime fans will appreciate fresh insights into Wilson's personal hardships, creative processes, and his lasting impact."
"For those who admire Wilson's work—or anyone curious to meet at the unlikely crossroads of science, philosophy, conspiracy psychology, enchantment, and transhumanism—Chapel Perilous is a must-read. Kennedy has written not just a biography, but a living document that carries on Wilson's mission of challenging perception, destabilizing certainty, and inviting readers to explore the edges of reality."