The Elixir: An Alchemical Study of the Ergot Mushrooms [Hardcover]

William Scott Shelley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0940121212 | ISBN-13: 978-0940121218 | Publication Date: March 1995

This look at the presence and uses of the ergot fungus plant throughout history demonstrates its development in science,philosophy, medicine, and religion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Richard Evans Schultz, Jeffrey Professor of Biology and Director, Harvard Botanical Museum, "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this book demonstrates astonishing thoroughness and intimate domination of the ancient, pertinent literature...it will constitute a very worthwhile and widely respected contribution."

Carl Ruck, Professor of Classical Studies at Boston University, "I am impressed with the breadth of Shelley's knowledge and the clarity of his prose." -- Publisher Comments

About the Author

William Scott Shelley is a highly respected scholar in the fields of botany and classical scientific literature.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 282 pages
• Publisher: Cross Cultural Pubns/Crossroads (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940121212
• ISBN-13: 978-0940121218
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,646,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars he who has ears, July 6, 2000

By 

dzango "dzango" (LONDON United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Elixir: An Alchemical Study of the Ergot Mushrooms (Hardcover)

I really would not want anyone with an interest in the history of the sacramental use of psychoactive plants to be put of by the one negative review so far showing. The endorsements of Richard Evans Schultz and Carl Ruck should be sufficient. However I would make these observations: This book probably is best read in conjunction with other books on the subject. I would particularily recommend "Ploughing the Clouds" on Soma which mixes poetry and erudition without being obscure. Certainly this book would not serve as a suitable introduction for a neophyte curious about the hidden history of psychoactive sacraments but there is plenty of other material available. However, for those more widely read in the subject the book is filled with useful material of a recondite nature. Some may well find that, for them, the style of 'The Elixir' goes against the grain but, for those who do not find it wilfully obscure, it really is a case of 'he who has ears let him hear', if that doesn't sound too corny!