The Literature of Psychedelics

NEW BOOKS

Shivitti: A Vision
True story of the use of LSD therapy for an Auschwitz survivor. Haunted by thirty years of nightmares, the author worked with the Dutch psychiatrist Prof. Jan Bastiaans, one of the first to use psychedelics in the treatment of concentration camp survivors. Preface by Claudio Naranjo. Final words by Prof. Bastiaans. MAPS contributed $1500 towards the publication of this book. (Ka-Tzetnik 135633 1987/1998; Gateways 0-89556-113-1, 140 page paperback, $15.95)

Trips: How Hallucinogens Work In Your Brain
Excellent readable book on how hallucinogens work, along with some of the colorful history of these compounds and how they are used in scientific research. Includes quotes from researchers and others, plus lots of great R. Crumb drawings. A rare combination of fun reading and accurate scientific information. Good list of web sites, bibliography, notes, and index. Highly recommended. (Cheryl Pellerin 1998; Seven Stories Press (Ingram) 1-888363-34-7, 288 page paperback, $23.95)

Trout's Notes on Ayahuasca and Ayahuasca Alkaloids
Extensive scientific guide. Part A covers the harmala alkaloids; part B the harmala and tryptamine plants, including Mimosa, Diplopterys, Psychotria, Acacia, Desmanthus, Phalaris and Anadenanthera. Plus an ayahuasca glossary; practical notes on ayahuasca analogs; many related notes. Much data on the chemistry and botany, with summaries of much of the literature, all well referenced. Good index. More detailed than Ott's Ayahuasca Analogs (if not as organized). Recommended. (K. Trout 1998; Better Days [no isbn], 208 page paperback, $34.95)

Trout's Notes on Tryptamines from Higher Plants
Companion to book above, covers a wider range of tryptamines and more chemistry oriented. Starts with indole/tryptamine assay techniques and pharmacology notes; then a practical section on extraction/isolation and ingestion techniques; then reported occurrences of tryptamines in plants. Many references and index. (K. Trout 1998; Better Days [no isbn], 180 page paperback, $29.95)

Trout's Notes on the Acacia Species Reported to Contain Tryptamines and/or Beta-Carbolines
Many Acacia tree species contain interesting alkaloids, and can be used in ayahuasca mixtures. This book goes beyond the two above in specific details. References and index. (K. Trout 1998; Better Days [no isbn], 86 page paperback, $19.95)

Dancing Naked in the Mind Field
Kary Mullis, 1993 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry for the PCR reaction, is also known for his use and defense of LSD. This "witty, irreverent, and wildly entertaining" book describes his psychedelic use, as well as delving into the limits of scientific dogma. Index. (Kary Mullis 1998; Pantheon Books (Ingram) 0-679-44255-3, 232 page hardback, $23.95)

Shadows in the Sun:
Travels to Landscapes of Spirit and Desire
Anthropologist and storyteller Wade Davis takes us to a variety of cultures, many of which use plants in shamanic ways. Chapters on ayahuasca and San Pedro cactus use in South America, and on smoking toad venom. More broad in coverage than his One River or The Serpent and the Rainbow. Index. (Wade Davis 1998; Island Press (Ingram) 1-55963-354-9, 303 page hardback, $22.95)

The Mission of Art
"Higher realities are available to us; that is the message of Alex Grey's art and words in this book. He has set himself the extraordinary task of depicting, in art, these higher truths, and here encourages all artists to find their own unique means of serving art's abiding mission." (from the publisher; not received at press time.) (Alex Grey 1999; Shambala (Ingram) 1-57062-396-1; hardcover $26.95)

Shamanism and the Drug Propaganda: Patriarchy and the Drug War
Despite the title, this is a detailed description of ancient psychoactive plant use, especially in Mediterranean cultures (with many Greek and Biblical references). Also discusses the relation of shamanic and more patriarchal cultures to mind-altering plant use. Quite scholarly, with bibliography and references (but no index). (Dan Russell 1998; Kalyx (Homestead) 0-9650253-1-4, 365 page paperback, $24.95)

Magic Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest
Introduction, species identification with photos (some in color), bibliography. (John W. Allen 1997; Psilly Publications (Homestead) [no isbn?], 42 page pamphlet, $11.95)

The Love Drug: Marching to the Beat of Ecstasy
Scientific study of MDMA use, but with a negative bias. Intended to be used by health professionals and others to provide reasons why people should not use it. Despite this, the collection of deaths and other problem cases, along with extensive notes, references, and index, may be useful. Dr. Charles Grob was asked to endorse the book by the author. Dr. Grob said he might be willing if the author corrected a variety of errors, and he submitted a detailed critique to the author. He never heard from the author again. (Richard Cohen 1998; Haworth (Ingram) 0-7890-0454-2, 184 page paperback, $19.95)

NEW EDITIONS

Ecstasy Reconsidered
Excellent updated book on MDMA; what it does, ways to use it, how therapists use it, possible dangers, suggestions for new users. Good book for practical advice; not just the basics, but how people use it to improve relationships, for personal growth, for trance dancing, and more. Every section provides deep, detailed, yet clear coverage of some complex areas, from neurotoxicity to shamanic dances to effects with other materials. Extensive, annotated bibliography by Shulgin. Index. Highly recommended. (Nicholas Saunders 1997 (revision of Ecstasy: Dance, Trance, & Transformation); self-published (Turnaround) 0-9530065-0-6, 250 page paperback, $19.95)

Psychedelic Resource List
Excellent annotated listing of many sources for plants, seeds, spores, publications, organizations, and other resources having to do with psychedelics. Expanded Internet section. Cannabis related listings as well. Highly recommended. (Jon Hanna 1998; Soma Graphics 0-9654383-0-9, 150 page large paperback, $19.95)

Sacred Mushrooms and the Law
Describes federal and all state laws on psilocybin mushrooms and compounds. California law against spores; legal difference between mushrooms and their active compounds. Religious Freedom Restoration Act as defense for religious use. By noted lawyer and author of the fine Entheogen Law Reporter newsletter. (Richard Glen Boire 1997; Spectral Mindustries 1-890425-01-1, 69 page small paperback, $14.95)

From Chocolate To Morphine: Everything You Need To Know About Mind-Altering Drugs
Comprehensive, accurate, practical information about using mind drugs. Includes history, uses, problems, and alternatives for drugs in general, and specific chapters on stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, marijuana, and other drugs (PCP, ketamine, nightshades, etc.) Describes drugs in each class, gives benefits, risks, suggestions, and precautions. Glossary and index. Highly recommended. (Andrew Weil & Winfred Rosen 1993/1998; Houghton Mifflin 0-395-91152-4, 252 page paperback, $14.95)

Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior
A good high school or college text on recreational drugs. Reasonable non-judgemental section on hallucinogens, mostly about LSD. Organized by drug, plus sections on basic drug actions, social policy, and drug education and treatment. Glossary and index. (Oakley Ray & Charles Ksir 1999 (8th edition); McGraw-Hill 0-07-059307-8, 510 page paperback, $54.95)

NEW PERIODICALS

Vol 30 #4 (Oct-Dec 1998) Theme Issue: Therapeutic Use of Hallucinogens
Excellent collection! Papers by Grob, Greer, Mangini, Metzner, Grof, Doblin, and others. Topics include ethnopsychiatry in Peru, comparing psychotherapy and shamanism, the nature of reality, treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and alcoholism, problems when using ayahuasca with SSRIs, therapy sessions with MDMA, and follow-up to Leary's Concord Prison Experiment.

Eleusis, new series #1
Eleusis, founded by the Italian Society for the Study of the States of Consciousness, is a great journal of psychedelic plants and compounds. They have started a new, expanded series, with most papers in both English and Italian. Issue #1 contains: Chemical Euphoria and Human Dignity; Post-Wasson History of the Soma Plant; Role of Cohoba in Taino Shamanism; Use of Khat; "Mushroom Trees" in Christian Art; a paper on Desmanthus leptolobus; reviews. (Giorgio Samorini & Jonathan Ott (editors); SISSC, 128 page large pamphlet $21.95)

Where to get these books
All books may be ordered from Mind Books, the author's company; of course many are available from other good sources. To contact Mind Books, call: 800-829-8127 or 707-829-8127, fax: 707-829-8100, E-mail: books@promind.com Web site: www.promind.com or write: Mind Books, 321 S Main St, #543, Sebastopol, CA 95472.