#1136 - Hamilton Morris

In this timely and definitive study, Andy Letcher chronicles the history of the magic mushroom—from its use by the Aztecs of Central America and the tribes of Siberia through to the present day—stripping away the myths and taking a critical and humorous look at the drug's more recent manifestations. The book explores the cultural, historical, and therapeutic aspects of magic mushrooms, particularly psilocybin, and their use across various cultures for spiritual and healing purposes. It also discusses the resurgence of interest in psychedelics for therapeutic use, especially in treating mental health issues, and argues for a new worldview that combines scientific understanding with spiritual insights from psychedelic experiences.

This book, written by John M. Allegro, argues that Christianity originated from an Essene clandestine cult centered around the use of psychedelic mushrooms. Allegro suggests that the stories of early Christianity and the New Testament are coded records of this shamanistic cult, and that the authors of the Christian gospels misunderstood the Essene thought. The book explores the role of ancient fertility cults, cultic rites and symbols, and the sacred mushroom as an emblem of divinity. The 40th anniversary edition includes a 30-page addendum by Carl Ruck.

In this book, John Marco Allegro examines the Dead Sea Scrolls and their implications for understanding early Christianity. He suggests that the Christian tradition may have arisen from a misunderstanding of Essene texts and that Jesus Christ could be a fictional character based on a real figure from the 1st century BCE. Allegro's theories were widely criticized by the academic community.

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.