Many people associate the term 'psychedelics' with LSD, hippies, and the sixties. But these drugs have a long and controversial history outside of that context, including the MK-Ultra secret government mind control experiments. This class of drugs' history fascinates me, and so I was looking forward to reading about the religious and ceremonial uses throughout history.

The author has worked in research for many years, directly with psychedelics. He has also taken psychedelics on several occasions, experiencing the trip for himself. He clearly knows his topic. In this book, he shares many stories from his research. We meet the people, who are all quite ordinary, and we learn about what the psychedelic trips were like for them, as well as how the experience impacted their lives.

I was a little disappointed that Richards didn't cover more of the history of using psychedelics for religious purposes. Instead, his approach here mostly concerns modern use, as a method of religious or spiritual enlightenment. He also touches on research for using psychedelics in the treatment of medical issues such as alcoholism and depression.

At times Richard's exuberance is a little much, as if psychedelics are the ultimate panacea. Still, he does not advocate going out to your neighborhood drug dealer and buying a bunch for personal use. He advises caution, emphasizing the right state of mind, setting, and a trusted escort for your psychedelic journey.

This book offers some fascinating insight into a class of drugs that has yet to give up all of its secrets.

*I was provided with an ebook copy by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.* ( )

Richards, a now retired professor, has written his vade mecum on psychedelics, chemical stimulants and the history of a variety of psychological-social experiments, some of which hold hope for curative sessions with the psychically wounded. The field is not without its doubters and government intervention (for government’s purposes) is not particularly laudatory. He writes from the background of psychotherapy, theology and comparative religion…a broad range indeed. To those who are caregivers this is a good book to keep on your reference shelf. He writes clearly, dispassionately (some may dispute this) and appears to have no hidden agenda.

I received an electronic copy in return for an honest review. ( )