I just finished rereading this. If you like psychedelic-related books, try and find a copy. It's relatively recent -- 2005? I think.
The author's premise is that the historical and archeological record does not support the "myth" that psychedelic mushrooms were widely used until the late 20th century. Some scant evidence can be found in Mexico and Siberia, but not the ancient shamanistic gateway you'd suppose.
It seems well researched. I found it interesting and informative.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: cultivate kindness mikeedwardsetc
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 12:13 pm
I haven't picked it up yet,
I haven't picked it up yet, but Michael Pollan has a new book out titled This Is Your Mind On Plants, in which he examines our relationship with opium, caffeine, and mescaline. Pollan was on Science Friday last week and the book sounds really interesting.
https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/michael-pollan-plants-chemicals-b...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee Herbal Dave
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 12:30 pm
Robbie Robertson's recent
Robbie Robertson's recent autobiography Testimony, which details his life through The Last Waltz was a great read. Robbie has a very good memory, writes well, and is a master storyteller.
I also really enjoyed Dr. John's 1994 autobiography Under A Hoodoo Moon, which has equally memorable storytelling and is populated with a whole mess of colorful characters and scenes.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 19.5 Degrees FaceOnMars
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 01:22 pm
Finished "All the Light We
Finished "All the Light We Cannot See" (Doerr) not too long ago ... it was very good.
Also finished "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" ("Linda Brent") recently ... also very good
Started to re-listen to "Frederick Douglass - Prophet / Freedom" (Blight) ... excellent
Just started "Rules of Civility" (Towles) ... so far so good
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 19.5 Degrees FaceOnMars
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 01:26 pm
The author's premise is that
The author's premise is that the historical and archeological record does not support the "myth" that psychedelic mushrooms were widely used until the late 20th century. Some scant evidence can be found in Mexico and Siberia, but not the ancient shamanistic gateway you'd suppose.<<<
Does the author go into Amanita muscaria's as well as the "other variety" we commonly think of?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: (~)};)StealYourFace WALSTIB
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 02:06 pm
FOM
FOM
"Cloud Cuckoo Land"
New Anthony Doerr
"The Overstory" Richard Powers
"A Little Life" Yanagihara
"A Man Called Ove" Backman
"Shuggie Bain" Stuart
"My Year Abroad" Chang-Rae Lee
starting
"Harlem Shuffle" Whitehead
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D. Portland_ken
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 02:12 pm
Just finishing up a
Just finishing up a collection of essays on the US-Mexican War and have KK Downing's book next up. Disgruntled rock stars don't pull any punches and write the best rock bios.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: (~)};)StealYourFace WALSTIB
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 02:36 pm
FOM
.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, December 16, 2021 – 10:00 pm
>Does the author go into
>Does the author go into Amanita muscaria's as well as the "other variety" we commonly think of?<
Yes, extensively. About both. The former is mostly associated with the Euro-Asian shamanistic tradition (but its traditional use is highly exaggerated). The latter was consumed locally until mass cultivation techniques enabled it to be used worldwide -- a relatively recent development.
It's a decent read.