Pale Horse Rider: William Cooper, the Rise of Conspiracy, and the Fall of Trust in America

The modern-day conspiracy theory movement has been touted in the news since the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald Trump roared to life. Distrust of government is not a new phenomenon, as Pale Horse Rider vividly illustrates. Milton William “Bill” Cooper was a career military man until he uncovered nefarious covert government activities. Cooper became a speaker relaying the dealings of the Majestic Twelve, men in government burying the secrets of extraterrestrial life since the Truman administration. Cooper wrote Behold A Pale Horse, a comprehensive screed covering everything from the Kennedy assassination to UFOs to government drug dealing. The book became an underground bestseller, catapulting Cooper into fame and infamy. He would broadcast his views on “Hour of the Time,” captivating his listeners, even while insulting those who chose to just listen and not be active. The last ten years of his life would be marred by a budding paranoia and emotional distance, ended by the gun blasts of sherriffs.

Pale Horse Rider is a fair and emotionally balanced biography of a complex individual who became the voice and face of the anti-government movement. Mark Jacobson delves deep into Bill Cooper’s personal life and personality, flaws and all. Cooper’s work is seen as paramount and important in skepticism. The parallels to the modern day are unnerving but also vital. An excellent biography!