tom eberhardt

A detailed and scientific overview of the European and N. American history of dealing with psilocybin and LSD. The Euro/N American relationship is not a long history (1930's to present day), but it is complex and it distinguishes btwn the science and societal impacts and views we have boxed them into. Mr Pollan does extrapolate and provides theories (his own and from others), that have been suggested that try to incorporate some of the why's, how's, and when's connected with human evolution and how psychedelics and the earth and its inhabitants may be interconnect. The S. American, African and other ancient societies that have used psilocybin and made them a part of their culture is touched on, but that requires another volume of books to explain and is not Pollen's focus, nor should it be. He is relating to and outlining N. American society views and research on psychedelics and its a good starting point for us newbies. I found it well researched, honest, refreshing and parallel with some of my own views and introduced new avenues of thought..........which is what psychedelics are all about. I do find it amusing that some reviewers didn't even read the whole book (or any of it) but feel obliged to comment within their own entrenched, limited views. Time for them to tune in and drop out.