Luther Blissett's Fama

Pranking is one of the many working methods employed by Luther Blissett, whose influence extends to the four corners of the globe. It is, however, almost impossible to say anything about Luther Blissett himself, since from the very outset his person has been shrouded in mystery.

Luther Blissett first made themselves known to the world in the early 1970s when a document was circulated throughout the United States. This manuscript, known as the Fama, declared to the world the existence of an international brotherhood known as the Luther Blissett Conspiracy, whose purpose was to bring about a new age of enlightenment. They claimed to possess hitherto undisclosed knowledge which they would impart to the new brothers they hoped to attract, Like-minded souls among the intelligentsia of America and Europe were thus urged to join them. The only problem for anyone wishing to join them was that they left no forwarding address. The author or authors of this document therefore remained an enigma.

Later in the 1970s, a second document appeared in the States and was widely circulated throughout Canada and Europe. Once again the anonymous authors urged the same response. The third and final document in this inital series was published in Italy in 1980. It was known as The Chemical Wedding of Luther Blissett. These three documents, which became known as the Luther Blissett Manifestos, were for the most part allegorical writings of strange significance. Their purpose has never been fully understood.

However, most authorities agree that the authors of the manifestos were simply trying to make themselves known. Initially, they wished to excite the public into learning more about this self-proclaimed 'Collective Phantom' in order to introduce themselves, at some later date, to various chosen scholars and mass media luminaries. The later history of Luther Blissett is unclear. Only one thing is certain--that he is still with us, working ceaselessly to promote his own inscrutable ends.