Review
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“. . . this superb academic reference is the first
comprehensive work devoted to psychoactive s. Ratsch, an
anthropologist, ethnocologist, . . . includes more than 400
traditional and modern substances that ‘affect the mind or alter
the state of consciousness’. . . .Each major monograph contains
the ’s scientific and common names, structure,
history, distribution, cultivation, appearance, preparation and
dosage, ritual and medicinal uses, commercial forms and
regulations, and effects, as well as research literature
references. . . .This book offers something for everyone. . . .
Highly recommended.” (Andy Wickens, Library Journal, August 2005)
“Rätsch’s Encyclopedia is massive in , exhaustively
researched, heavily referenced, user-friendly, authoritative, and
beautifully illustrated. It belongs on the bookshelf of everyone
with an interest in psychoactive s--from those with only a
casual interest to veteran researchers.” (Rick Strassman, M.D.,
University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and author of DMT:
The Spirit Mol)
“It is a truism in anthropology that virtually all cultures
utilize s and mushrooms for their psychoactive effects. The
impulse to achieve altered states of consciousness is universal.
Several previous books on psychoactive s have become
classics on this subject. While valuable historic additions to
the library, they must now move over. This encyclopedia is truly
destined to be the most authoritative reference on natural
psychoactive substances for years to come.” (Mark Blumenthal,
founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council,
and editor of Her)
“In the realm of psychoactive s, Christian Rätsch is the
world’s most knowledgeable person. Here is his magnum opus--a
veritable treasure trove of information about the most
fascinating members of the kingdom. As the “teachers” and
the gatekeepers to the spirit world, psychoactives help us
cleanse the lenses of perception. No one interested in natural
ways to expand consciousness should be without this magnificent
volume.” (Ralph Metzner, PH.D., psychologist, author of Green
Psychology, and coauthor of The Psychedelic Expe)
“Christian Rätsch’s remarkable Encyclopedia of Psychoactive
s is an essential and comprehensive work that explores not
only the expanse of s that affect human consciousness but
the genetic necessity for humanity to experience wide-ranging
flexibility in consciousness. The world is basic to us, the
foundation of our food, clothing, and shelter. But Christian’s
book reminds us that human/ interactions reach much deeper
than these three needs; intelligence reaches deep within us
and teaches us to see, hear, and understand the deep meanings in
the world, meanings that we need, and are meant, to encounter in
order to remain human.” (Stephen Harrod Buhner, author of The
Secret Teachings of s and The Lost Language of s)
". . . the granddaddy of all drug books." (Charles Hayes, High
Times, Nov 2005)
"A premier work, and important to have and refer to if you have
any relationship to the world of psychoactive s." (Mark
Stavish, Institute for Hermetic Studies, April 2006)
"This encyclopedia is a large and somewhat intimidating book, but
the format is friendly and embellished by many beautiful
photographs and drawings. . . . this is a major work that will be
an essential reference to those interested in cultural and
historical aspects of psychedelics." (algram, No. 79, Aug -
Oct 2008)
“This book covers pretty much every psychedelic/psychoactive
out there, including several that people may not realize
have psychoactive properties...For anyone interested in learning
more about psychoactive s this book will likely answer all
your questions and more. It's a great complement to other books
on the subject as well as a stand-alone book for your education
on this expansive and important topic.” (Entheoradio, August
2013)
Synopsis
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He discusses their ritual and medicinal usage,
cultural artefacts made from these s and works of art that
either represent or have been inspired by them. The author begins
with 168 of the most well-known psychoactives - such as cannabis,
datura and papaver - then presents 133 lesser known substances as
well as additional s known as "legal highs"; s known
only from mythological contexts and literature; and
products that include substances such as ayahuasca, incense and
soma. The text is lavishly illustrated with 800 colour
photographs - many of which are from the author's extensive
fieldwork around the world - showing the people, ceremonies and
art related to the ritual use of the world's sacred
psychoactives.