Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic

Mescaline has a long history, dating back to ancient Andean cultures, and was isolated in 1897 from the peyote cactus. It has been used by psychologists, spiritual seekers, artists, and psychiatrists to explore consciousness and cure schizophrenia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

Mescaline, a mind-altering substance with a rich history spanning cultures from ancient America to Western modernity, gained widespread popularity in the mid-twentieth century thanks to Aldous Huxley's influential book "The Doors of Perception." The term "psychedelic" was coined to describe this substance, which has a fascinating prehistory dating back to the earliest Andean cultures.

Isolation of mescaline from the peyote cactus occurred in 1897, during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Throughout the twentieth century, mescaline was explored by psychologists seeking to understand the mysteries of consciousness, spiritual seekers such as Aleister Crowley and the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, artists seeking to unlock their creative potential, and psychiatrists seeking to treat schizophrenia.

In addition to its psychological and spiritual applications, mescaline played a significant role in preserving and shaping Native American identity. This comprehensive narrative, drawing on botany, pharmacology, ethnography, and the mind sciences, examines the diverse lives and experiences of individuals who have encountered mescaline, including renowned figures such as William James, Walter Benjamin, and Hunter S. Thompson. It sheds light on the profound impact that this substance has had on human consciousness and culture, offering a captivating exploration of its many-sided nature.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 196 x 129 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300257502