What is james shelby downard?

James Shelby Downard (1913-1998) was an American writer and artist known for his conspiracy theories about secret societies, occultism, and the hidden symbolism in American history and culture. He gained a cult following in the 1970s and 1980s through his writings in various underground publications, such as "The Mithraic Temple," "The Spectrums," and "The Rebel."

Downard's most famous work is "King Kill/33°: Masonic Symbolism in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy," which presents a complex and highly controversial theory that the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy was an elaborate ritual carried out by a cabal of secret societies, including the Freemasons and the Illuminati. Downard claimed that the assassination was a "Killing of the King" rite, intended to replace Kennedy with a "new king" who would serve the interests of the occult elite.

Downard's other writings explored similar themes, such as the hidden symbolism in American architecture, the role of secret societies in world events, and the occult roots of Nazism and the Third Reich. Although he never achieved mainstream recognition, Downard's work has influenced many conspiracy theorists, alternative historians, and countercultural movements.