The story within the book deals with all kinds of conspiracy theories, such as who shot JFK, Atlantis, or why there is a pyramid with an eye in it on the One Dollar Bill. There are a number of scenes of drug, sex, and magick use. The book covers many topics, such as Discordianism, the word "fnord", the number 23 enigma, and also numerology. It also has a number of appendices, which explain various things that happen in the book, or about the Illuminati in general. The book has been adapted for the stage, and has also influenced a number of writers and role-playing game makers.