Richard Evans Schultes (1915–2001)

A good overall view. Definitely interested in things like Salvia and Iboga. Some of it was just boring reference stuff that I had to skim. Much of the last chapter was devoted to experiments with hallucinogens and psychoanalysis in the West. Pretty heady stuff.

Three scientific titans join forces to completely revise the classic text on the ritual uses of psychoactive plants. They provide a fascinating testimony of these "plants of the gods," tracing their uses throughout the world and their significance in shaping culture and history. In the traditions of every culture, plants have been highly valued for their nourishing, healing, and transformative properties. The most powerful of those plants, which are known to transport the human mind into show more other dimensions of consciousness, have always been regarded as sacred. The authors detail the uses of hallucinogens in sacred shamanic rites while providing lucid explanations of the biochemistry of these plants and the cultural prayers, songs, and dances associated with them. The text is lavishly illustrated with 400 rare photographs of plants, people, ceremonies, and art related to the ritual use of the world's sacred psychoactive flora. show less

"Entheogens ... could be the appropriate medicine for hyper-materialistic humanity."
Beautifully illustrated with art, poetry, and hundreds of photos, this book is a respectful study of the biology, chemistry, anthropology, history, and culture of the use and cultivation of entheogens. Fascinating revelations about how plants & humans co-evolved.

I have probably read this book well over 20 times. The countless rental stamps of the sole copy of this book at my university is solid proof of how much I loved this book. I'd love to find a way to purchase my own copy. While it doesn't go through with too much detail about individual hallucinogen plants, the eye watering gorgeous illustrations themselves make this book worth it for the artwork alone.