Learning about psychedelics is a journey that leads all down a rabbit hole of enlightenment, and confusion. With varying explanations from experts and vivid recounts of psychedelic stories from users, the amount of information that is out in the world about psychedelics is vast to say the least.
Every scientist and consumer of psychedelics has a unique personal experience with the drug, which means there is a wide range of information out there to be consumed.
Below, you’ll find just some of the books that those interested about psychedelics have recommended to others who are starting their journey into the unknown. Enjoy!
The Doors of Perception
Written in 1954, The Doors of Perception is truly before its time. Huxley, who also authored the famous book Brave New World, is able to not only articulate concepts that few have been able to explain, but his projections for future events are strangely accurate. The Doors of Perception was also one of the main inspirations for Jim Morrison, of the well known band, The Doors.
High Priest
Originally published in 1968 and then again in 1995, Leary wrote his book before he started to get in trouble with the law. High Priest talks about Leary’s first experience with psychedelics in Mexico and also reviews the famous “Good Friday Experiment” at Boston University’s Marsh Chapel.
The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys
This book is complete, extensive information guide for people interested in psychedelics. Although the book contains extensive details, however it can be used by beginners along with experts. The encyclopedia breaks a few myths regarding the plant and provides apt information regarding it.
DMT: The Spirit Molecule
DMT: The Spirit Molecule is for advanced readers and is targeted to an audience who has significant knowledge regarding psychedelics. Although very technical, this book explains the facts about psychedelics in great depth and is very beneficial for researchers.
Tryptamine Palace
James Oroc describes his personal growing experiences and keeps the audience engaged by discussing the place of psychedelics in culture along with their role in theoretical physics. Even though the book is interesting, it is a read for people who are serious about psychedelics and consider themselves as psychonaut.
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test book was written in the 1960’s. This time period was the turning point for psychedelics and Wolfe was the one who saw the plant grow and unfold. The author outlines the antics and the experiences of various users at that time and provides the reader with an insight into the origin of psychedelic culture. This book is worth reading for readers who want a detailed insight about psychedelic plants.
Pharmacotheon
Ott provides a concise, scientific review regarding psychoactive plants. The quality of information available in the book reflects upon the intense scientific details of deep research. However, is not recommended for people who want to do light reading regarding psychedelics.
LSD, My Problem Child
This book is very detailed about chemicals and cultural aspects of hallucinogens, along with the personal experience of the author. The spiritual aspect of the plants is also discussed to tell the readers of the different fields where the plants are being used. Along with the benefits, the tragic events related to its misuse are also penned by the author.
The Long Trip: A Prehistory of Psychedelia
Experimenting with hallucination inducing plants have been a part of human society for centuries. This book is full of evidence regarding the role played by the plant in society. The various psychedelic plants have evolved over centuries since their discovery, and the changes have been documented by Devereux. The cultural side of the plant is also discussed in great depth.
Bill Hicks: Agent of Evolution
By Kevin Booth & Michael Bertin
After the 1960’s, psychedelic faded from popular culture and only regular users kept track of the plant. This book, however became the evolving factor for psychedelics as it regained its fame. The authors, in a concise manner, explains the advantages, side effects, and the various uses of the psychedelics.
True Hallucinations
The intensive list of psychedelic plants found in this book cannot be found from any other source. The book has benefitted many readers by providing them with details of the various types of psychedelic plants available.
This book has also been made into a movie, which was released in 2018 and starred Jim Carrey.
The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss: My Life with Terence Mckenna
This book is highly recommended for beginners and contains basic details about psychedelics. Although, the book has a few myths and vague ideas about psychedelic, it’s still a great read that provides thoughtful insight for beginners.
The Hasheesh Eater
Written in 1857, The Hasheesh Eater was truly cutting edge. After its publication, Hasheesh Candies started to be made and Ludlow’s writing fueled a new American surge of freedom and creativity.