Hofmann's Elixir: LSD and the the New Eleusis
Product ID: 60662823
Illustrated throughout with many rare photographs from the Hofmann archives, this book offers a rare glimpse inside a visionary mind of Dr Albert Hofmann—the man who discovered LSD. 'Any scientist who is no mystic is no scientist.'— Albert Hofmann Still lecturing until his death at 102, Dr Albert Hofmann would have been a remarkable man even if he hadn't discovered the chemical compound that changed the course of the 20th century – LSD. Voted the greatest living genius in a 2007 poll, the self-described 'little Swiss chemist' is as much loved and respected for his personal nobility and modesty as he is for his chemical creations, which besides LSD, include chemicals used every day in maternity and geriatric wards the world over. This unique book collects, for the first time, a number of his more recent essays and lectures. Between them they present a comprehensive overview of Hofmann's relationship to his controversial creation, and reveal his profound mystical outlook, informed both by his own LSD experiences, and by a life lived through one of the most turbulent centuries in human history. The second section of the book contains essays and memoirs from some of the leading psychedelic thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Huston Smith, Myron Stolaroff, Ralph Metzner, Jonathan Ott, Stanislav Grof and Amanda Feilding. Review: A Beautiful Collection, Tribute, & Treasure - When I ordered this book I had no idea what a treasure it would be! After our dear and beloved Amanda Feilding transitioned from this world, I looked on desertcart to see if she had written any books, and came across this collection that she edited in 2008. In addition to editing the book, Amanda contributed an essay on “LSD and the Evolution of Consciousness,” but the book is overflowing with other precious material— 7 exquisite essays and transcribed talks by Albert Hofmann, rare and beautiful photographs, Albert’s original lab notes, and wonderful essays by Ralph Metzner, Jonathan Ott, Stanislav Grof, Huston Smith, and Myron Stolaroff. What a glorious experience reading this book has been, and I’m so glad to add this book to my library. Review: It's Hoffman - Great book, nothing else to say
| Best Sellers Rank | #5,353,273 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #650 in Medical Psychopharmacology #726 in Popular Psychology Psychopharmacology #4,641 in General Chemistry |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 16 Reviews |
D**N
A Beautiful Collection, Tribute, & Treasure
When I ordered this book I had no idea what a treasure it would be! After our dear and beloved Amanda Feilding transitioned from this world, I looked on Amazon to see if she had written any books, and came across this collection that she edited in 2008. In addition to editing the book, Amanda contributed an essay on “LSD and the Evolution of Consciousness,” but the book is overflowing with other precious material— 7 exquisite essays and transcribed talks by Albert Hofmann, rare and beautiful photographs, Albert’s original lab notes, and wonderful essays by Ralph Metzner, Jonathan Ott, Stanislav Grof, Huston Smith, and Myron Stolaroff. What a glorious experience reading this book has been, and I’m so glad to add this book to my library.
M**W
It's Hoffman
Great book, nothing else to say
B**N
True wisdom
In a 'better world' Albert Hofmann would have been one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. Not only for his discovery of LSD but mainly because it's so rare these days to find the perfect combination of mystic, philosopher and scientist. In this small but potent book we get an interview with a remarkable fresh and vigorous Hofmann conducted up to his 100th (!) birthday. But also a series of later day essays dealing with the discovery of LSD, his profound arguments for the obvious fact of 'intelligent design' and mini-portraits of fellow travelers like Ernst Jünger and Aldous Huxley. Second part of the book entails essays written in hommage to Albert. Words of wisdom from the likes of Stanislav Grof, Ralph Metzner and the woman behind this valuable book: Amanda Feilding. The market seems overflowing with naive, poorly written books by people who think they have discovered 'The Truth' because they have dabbled a bit with psychedelics of different sorts. Albert Hofman is a prime example of a person who has truly benefitted from these substances: creative, humble, intelligent and penetrating.
P**O
Ch
Bueno
B**N
A real pleasure
In a 'better world' Albert Hofmann would have been one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. Not only for his discovery of LSD but mainly because it's so rare these days to find the perfect combination of mystic, philosopher and scientist. In this small but potent book we get an interview with a remarkable fresh and vigorous Hofmann conducted up to his 100th (!) birthday. But also a series of later day essays dealing with the discovery of LSD, his profound arguments for the obvious fact of 'intelligent design' and mini-portraits of fellow travelers like Ernst Jünger and Aldous Huxley. Second part of the book entails essays written in hommage to Albert. Words of wisdom from the likes of Stanislav Grof, Ralph Metzner and the woman behind this valuable book: Amanda Feilding. The market seems overflowing with naive, poorly written books by people who think they have discovered 'The Truth' because they have dabbled a bit with psychedelics of different sorts. Albert Hofman is a prime example of a person who has truly benefitted from these substances: creative, humble, intelligent and penetrating.
A**R
Five Stars
Hofmann's writings are worth reading. The rest of the book is interesting too.
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