LSD: A Journey into the Asked, the Answered, and the Unknown

Out of print for more than 50 years, "LSD: A Journey into the Asked, the Answered, and the Unknown" is now available in a commemorative edition, featuring candid commentary, a new introduction by counterculture journalist Jessica Hundley, and a photographic portrait of a generation. The book was illustrated with a groundbreaking photo essay by Lawrence Schiller, who introduced America to the sweeping new LSD epidemic and was a precursor to the federal criminalization of the drug. Schiller's reporting expanded to include Timothy Leary, the Merry Pranksters, and other individuals who were involved in the acid scene. The unexpected result is one of the most deeply informative documents on psychedelics ever published, selling close to a million copies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Wiener Schiller Productions, Inc.

For over fifty years, LSD: A Journey into the Asked, the Answered, and the Unknown has been out of print. However, it is now available in a commemorative edition, featuring candid commentary, a new introduction by counterculture journalist Jessica Hundley, and a photographic portrait of a generation.

In the midst of a heated national debate surrounding the widespread use of LSD, two authorities, Richard Alpert, Ph.D. (AKA Ram Dass) and psychoanalyst Sidney Cohen, M.D., took a stand on the dangers, merits, legal regulations, and control of the revolutionary psychedelic drug. Their book was accompanied by a groundbreaking photo essay by journalist Lawrence Schiller, whose cover story for Life magazine introduced America to the sweeping new LSD epidemic and laid the groundwork for the federal criminalization of the drug.

As the first national photojournalist to document the American acid scene from the inside, Schiller began with a single contact in Berkeley, California, and built a vast network of young, receptive subjects who allowed him to capture their private experiences with LSD. At first, his contacts were few and difficult to obtain. "Many of them were afraid," and declined. However, there were others who were seeking to rebel, with some exhibiting a missionary-like quality. They not only wanted to share their experiences but seemed compelled to do so.

Schiller's reporting expanded to include Timothy Leary, who was on trial in Laredo, Texas, and the Merry Pranksters, who stopped by his studio for stroboscopic photos after the Hollywood Acid Test. As he delved deeper into the story, he encountered more questions. "Is the LSD state reality or illusion?" and "Can you understand... without having had 'the experience?'" he wondered. Recognizing that others likely had similar inquiries, he sought answers from Alpert and Cohen.

Their responses provided valuable insights, challenging traditional notions and prompting further exploration. Alpert, known for his pioneering work in psychedelic research, emphasized the importance of setting and setting, suggesting that the LSD experience could be both transformative and healing. Cohen, on the other hand, offered a psychoanalytic perspective, suggesting that LSD could unlock hidden aspects of the mind and facilitate self-exploration.

Through their collective efforts, Alpert, Cohen, and Schiller shed light on the complexities of LSD and its impact on society. Their book became a seminal text in the field, shaping the understanding and perception of the drug for generations to come. In addition to its intellectual significance, LSD: A Journey into the Asked, the Answered, and the Unknown also captured the spirit of a tumultuous era, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who embraced the psychedelic experience and the societal challenges they faced.

As we reflect on the past and consider the potential of the future, the legacy of LSD: A Journey into the Asked, the Answered, and the Unknown continues to inspire and provoke thought. It serves as a reminder of the power of human curiosity, the importance of scientific research, and the enduring impact of cultural and societal shifts. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a newcomer to the world of psychedelics, this commemorative edition of LSD: A Journey into the Asked, the Answered, and the Unknown is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and controversies surrounding this remarkable drug.

Weight: 42g
Dimension: 273 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9798986048314