Mescaline

A Global History of the First Psychedelic

By: Mike Jay

Narrated by: Paul Brion

A definitive history of mescaline that explores its mind-altering effects across cultures, from ancient America to Western modernity

Mescaline became a popular sensation in the mid-20th century through Aldous Huxley's The Doors of Perception, after which the word "psychedelic" was coined to describe it. Its story, however, extends deep into prehistory: The earliest Andean cultures depicted mescaline-containing cacti in their temples.

Mescaline was isolated in 1897 from the peyote cactus, first encountered by Europeans during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. During the 20th century, it was used by psychologists investigating the secrets of consciousness, spiritual seekers from Aleister Crowley to the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, artists exploring the creative process, and psychiatrists looking to cure schizophrenia. Meanwhile, peyote played a vital role in preserving and shaping Native American identity. Drawing on botany, pharmacology, ethnography, and the mind sciences and examining the mescaline experiences of figures from William James to Walter Benjamin to Hunter S. Thompson, this is an enthralling narrative of mescaline's many lives.

©2019 Mike Jay (P)2019 Tantor

first rate

a work of both scholarship and great storytelling, with a smooth, warm, easy on the ear speaker.

All encompassing

Well rounded, general history of mescaline and its pioneers. Also a great description of its spiritual and therapeutic value.

Essential information on psychedelic history

An important book for anyone interested in psychedelics. The author did an excellent job of weaving the drugs many interactions with culture and society. It was a bit of a slog to get through it in some parts, but it is worth it in the end to more fully appreciate the narrative arc of the book.

Detailed analysis

Make a sequel. More people need to learn to respect the technology in the cosmos, this helps such respect.

A valuable addition to psychedelic literature

I have long been curious about substances which allow us to experience an expanded form of consciousness. I love learning about the history of these substances and how the human race has interacted with them. I enjoyed learning about the history of mescaline in its various forms.