Foucault in California: [A True Story-Wherein the Great French Philosopher Drops Acid in the Valley of Death]

In The Lives of Michel Foucault, David Macey recounts Foucault's 1975 Memorial Day weekend in Southern California, where he experimented with psychotropic drugs and experienced a synesthetic acid trip. The book explores Foucault's intellectual and subversive circles, including parties, dialogues, and a trip to the Artists Palette in Death Valley. It chronicles the young man's friendship with one of the twentieth century's greatest thinkers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2021
Publisher: Heyday Books

In his captivating memoir, "The Lives of Michel Foucault," David Macey presents a mesmerizing account of the iconic French philosopher's remarkable experience during a weekend in Southern California in 1975. Foucault, known for his intellectual prowess and subversive ideas, embarked on a journey of exploration, seeking the truth through the use of psychotropic drugs. Accompanied by Simeon Wade, an assistant professor at the Claremont Graduate School, Foucault ventured into the unknown, experimenting with various substances.

The narrative unfolds in a delightful and often humorous prose, immersing readers into the erudite and subversive circles of the Claremont intelligentsia. The book vividly depicts parties in Wade's bungalow, intense dialogues between Foucault and his disciples at a Taoist utopia nestled in the Angeles Forest, and the legendary synesthetic acid trip on the vibrant slopes of the Artists Palette in Death Valley, accompanied by the soothing melodies of Bach and Stockhausen.

"Foucault in California" serves as a captivating blend of exploration and revelry. Part memoir, part philosophical inquiry, it chronicles the young man's burgeoning friendship with one of the twentieth century's greatest thinkers. Through Wades firsthand account, readers are invited to witness Foucault's intellectual prowess, his profound insights, and his willingness to challenge conventional norms.

The book offers a glimpse into Foucault's intellectual journey, his search for higher consciousness, and his willingness to explore the boundaries of human understanding. It sheds light on his philosophical ideas, such as the concept of power, discipline, and the surveillance society, and how they shaped the modern world.

"Foucault in California" is not only a captivating read but also a testament to the enduring influence of Michel Foucault on contemporary thought. It serves as a reminder of the power of intellectual inquiry, the importance of challenging societal norms, and the enduring legacy of one of the most influential philosophers of our time.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 205 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781597145374