Books

Huxley recounts his seminal mescaline experience that took place in May 1953 in Los Angeles, under the supervision of British psychiatrist Dr. Humphry Osmond who would later coin the term 'psychedelic.' Huxley explores the profound perceptual shifts induced by the substance, reflecting on art, philosophy, and mysticism while proposing that psychedelics offer direct insight into the mind’s 'reducing valve' of consciousness. The book remains a foundational work in both psychedelic literature and modern explorations of altered states.

A clinical examination of how LSD therapy paved the way for transpersonal psychiatry and expanded the possibilities of psychological healing. Grof draws from decades of therapeutic work using LSD to explore trauma resolution, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation. The book provides clinical cases and theoretical frameworks for integrating psychedelic experiences into psychotherapy.

A foundational ethnobotanical study on psychoactive plants used in indigenous rituals, bridging cultural lore with scientific insight. Drawing from decades of fieldwork, Schultes and Hofmann document sacred plant use across cultures, emphasizing their spiritual, healing, and ritualistic roles. The book is richly illustrated and remains an essential reference for anyone interested in the intersection of botany and entheogens.

Hofmann’s personal account of discovering LSD, its chemical properties, and his reflections on its impact on science and culture. He recounts the first intentional psychedelic experience in history and the events that followed its introduction into psychiatry and society. The book is both a memoir and a philosophical exploration of LSD’s potential and misuses.

An investigative history tracing LSD’s role in CIA experiments, 1960s counterculture, and the broader social upheavals of the era. Drawing on declassified documents and interviews, Lee and Shlain reveal how psychedelics intersected with Cold War paranoia and cultural rebellion. The book is an essential chronicle of both state secrecy and societal transformation.

A sweeping narrative chronicling LSD’s cultural and scientific influence in post-war America and its enduring legacy. Jay Stevens charts the rise of figures like Timothy Leary and Ken Kesey, and the philosophical debates surrounding consciousness expansion. It’s a literary and historical tour of the movement that redefined the American mindscape.

The seminal psychoactive chemistry and autobiography: it presents both Shulgin’s personal narrative and detailed synthesis of phenethylamines, emblematic in its cultural impact. The first half tells the story of Sasha and Ann’s relationship and explorations with consciousness, while the second half serves as a lab manual of synthesized compounds. It’s become a cult classic and cornerstone text for the modern psychedelic and scientific communities.

McKenna explores how psychedelic mushrooms shaped human evolution, consciousness, and the culture of spirituality. He presents his controversial 'Stoned Ape' theory, suggesting that psilocybin mushrooms catalyzed the development of language and religion. The book blends anthropology, ethnobotany, and philosophy in McKenna’s signature provocative style.

A lively account of McKenna’s psychedelic explorations in the Amazon, weaving narrative, theory, and metaphysical speculations. The book recounts a journey he took with his brother Dennis in search of unusual hallucinogenic plants and the 'Logos', an audible voice of higher consciousness. McKenna blends travelogue, philosophy, and speculative science into a unique and mind-bending chronicle.

Introduces Grof’s holotropic breathwork and outlines therapeutic techniques for exploring altered states induced by psychedelics and other non-ordinary consciousness methods. Drawing on ancient spiritual traditions and modern depth psychology, the book presents a compelling case for consciousness exploration beyond the medical model.

A companion volume to PiHKAL, offering insight into tryptamines and their synthesis, effects, and therapeutic significance. The book combines the Shulgins' autobiographical narratives with detailed descriptions of dozens of psychedelic compounds, many of which were novel discoveries. TiHKAL is an essential reference for chemists, therapists, and psychonauts interested in tryptamine-based substances.

Memoirs of an underground psychedelic therapist, documenting the clandestine practice of guided psychedelic sessions during prohibition. The anonymous 'Secret Chief' shares his experiences facilitating therapeutic transformations with compassion and skill, offering rare insights into pre-legalization psychedelic healing work.