661 - Manvir Singh (Author of Shamanism: The Timeless Religion)

The book is divided into two sections: 'The Teachings' and 'A Structural Analysis'. It describes Castaneda's experiences with Don Juan Matus, a self-proclaimed Yaqui Indian Sorcerer, between 1960 and 1965. The narrative includes encounters with teaching spirits, divination, and transformations induced by the ingestion of peyote, jimson weed, and magic mushrooms. The book challenges traditional perceptions of reality, emphasizing the importance of shifting one's perception and consciousness to achieve true freedom. Despite its initial presentation as an anthropological work, it is now widely considered to be a work of fiction.

Manvir Singh's "Shamanism, The Timeless Religion" delves into the widespread and enduring phenomenon of shamanism across various cultures and historical periods. The book likely explores the core practices, beliefs, and social roles associated with shamanism, examining how shamans act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds. It may also investigate the altered states of consciousness, healing rituals, and cosmological frameworks that characterize shamanistic traditions. By taking a cross-cultural approach, Singh likely identifies common themes and variations in shamanic practices, shedding light on the universal aspects of human spirituality and the diverse ways in which people seek to connect with the supernatural. The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of shamanism as a persistent and influential aspect of human culture, offering insights into its relevance in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

This book combines history, politics, science, botany, and culture through a biographical account of Wade Davis' own travels and as a memoir to his late mentor, Richard Evans Schultes. It documents their journeys and discoveries in the Amazon, focusing on the botanical secrets of coca and the cultural significance of the region. The narrative intertwines Davis' experiences in the 1970s with Schultes' adventures in the 1940s, highlighting their immersion in the lives of Amazonian tribes and the extraordinary plants that sustain life in the forest.

In 'A Primate's Memoir', Robert M. Sapolsky recounts his years spent studying a troop of baboons in Kenya. The book combines scientific observations of the baboons' social behaviors, stress levels, and health with personal anecdotes about Sapolsky's cultural awakening and adventures in Africa. Sapolsky describes his interactions with the local Masai tribe, his experiences during political unrest, and the emotional impact of a tuberculosis outbreak among the baboons. The book is a blend of humor, science, and personal growth, offering insights into both primate society and human culture.