Will Sommer

An In-Depth Analysis of Bizarre and Chilling Recent History

A history of QAnon, the complex, constantly evolving, all-encompassing, quasi-fascist conspiracy theory movement, from its birth on the back corners of the internet to its international fame after its involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and beyond. Will Sommer uses a combination of research and undercover reporting to trace the movement's roots in western conspiracy theories, back to the Jewish blood libel in Medieval Europe and the Salem Witch Trials in colonial America. He also examines the role politicians, social media companies and government agencies - some craven, some complacent, some complicit - played in its proliferation, particularly during the pandemic. He reveals the impact it has had on its followers, their families and the innocent people who for one reason or another drew the ire of one of its "priests." In the final chapter, he discusses its expansion to the rest of the world. It should be a wake-up call to all countries regarding the dark underbelly of our political discourse.… (mais)

Journalist Will Summer provides a comprehensive overview of the rise of the QAnon conspiracy movement starting from the first posts by Q. He depicts many of the players driving the QAnon movement including people using the movement to scam people and profit from their beliefs. He also discusses people that have been totally consumed by their obsessions as well as people who have fallen victim to harassments by QAnon members. The book is recommended to people interested in understanding this world-wide phenomenon.… (mais)