Customer Reviews

Ketamine : Dreams and Realities

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Dr. Jansen is undoubtedly the world's leading authority on Ketamine, its history, applications, benefits, and risks. Ketamine: Dreams and Realities contains over 300 pages of invaluable information on this remarkable substance deemed both an anesthetic and psychedelic. It addresses everything you've wondered about this amazing chemical from physiologic descriptions to existential inference. His objective accounts are thorough and insightful as well as extremely logical and convincing. There are literally hundreds of references that are well worth the cost of the book alone, not to mention all of the valuable information contained within. His style entrances you like a powerful book should, and takes you on an intuitive and multisided journey through the history, use, misuse, and future of the drug. Unique and rare information is included to both support his assertions and entertain the reader. Most notably he relates the effects of Ketamine to the near-death/near-birth experience, the quantum mind, and the metaphorical mental modem. Having coined the term "Quantum Psychiatry" Dr. Jansen explains how the Newtonian model of the universe is being reassessed in light of the evolving understanding of modern and quantum physics. Never before have I read such a comprehensible and clearly written work on this topic. I strongly recommend this book to both the professional and layperson wanting to know specifically about this amazing psychedelic or the nature of our existence. It is extremely well written and thoroughly documented. Having donated 100% of the profits from the sale of this book to ketamine psychotherapy research Dr. Jansen demonstrates his passion for his work and undoubtedly will go down in history amongst such spiritual pioneers such as Aldus Huxley, Stanislav Grof, and Albert Hoffman to name a few.

Extensive and excellent, this book takes you on a voyage into the myriad facets of this profoundly mysterious substance. Intimately researched and vigilantly referenced, Jansen plots an enlightening course through the history of ketamine from its creation and use to the near-death/near-birth experience, the quantum mind, and the search for the holy-grail. A balanced account that offers both sides of the reality of ketamine use; personally, mystically, medically, and socially. Accessible, entertaining and scholarly this book is an essential read for all those interested in this modern compound, from psychiatrists, scientists, and psychonauts to researchers, shamanarchists, and therapists.

A Course in Miracles says, "It would indeed be strange if you were asked to go beyond all the symbols of the world, forgetting them forever, yet were asked to take a teaching function...then step back to darkness, not because you think it real, but only to proclaim its unreality."..This author, Karl Jansen, knows not only the symbols of the world of experience on this subject, but has gone beyond them sufficiently to be a teacher of not the positive but negative aspects of this strong and effective yet by most comparisons benign medicinal drug. In his clear imparting of such a rare tale, taking on this subject in all its dimensions which had previously been mostly distorted and maligned by the media, Dr. Jansen's underlying wit, humor and gentleness shines clearly throughout its well- written and easy to read pages. Although I found all the book interesting, he has devoted one chapter to the means one might employ if letting go of the use of drugs of any kind. Although I had heard most all this information presented before, I found this chapter particularly helpful in terms of general mental and physical health. Though this is a technical subject matter, I found this to be an easy to read yet complete work on what in terms of experience could be considered to be a somewhat obscure and multidimensional subject, a must-read for anyone who is in any way familiar with it.

Dr. Jansen has produced a valuable book, although its value lies, I think, in areas other than what the other reviewers here have seen in it. First, its relative weak points: the book isn't remotely systematic, despite its being organized into chapters; in its attempt to speak to as many readers as possible, it fails to present an organized view of the psychopharmacology of Ketamine and related drugs; finally, despite being engagingly written, there is a great deal of repetition and a truly enormous quantity of anecdote.

And it is this cornucopia of anecdote which is the book's greatest strength. Unlike most other authors on 'drug topics', Jansen not only knows everything presently known about the substance, but has no overt ax to grind: he is neither proselytizer nor scare-monger, and sensibly believes that *accurate* information will best inform future debates about the proper place of substances like Ketamine in society. His sanity on the topic is palpable, and an enormous breath of fresh air compared with ludicrous claims, in both directions ("Meet God!" vs. "Meet God... by letting it kill you") one encounters elsewhere. The anecdotes have been carefully chosen to show both sides of the issue, from people who've been transformed to those who've been Lost. An engaging read, but more of a popularization than one might initially realize.

a work of real substance about a strange substance, indeed. Ever since the pioneering research of John Lilly we have asked ourselves, what in the world gave way to this highly interesting drug.

The fact that MAPS is the publisher should tell you that this is no joke. The material is dealt with in a respectful, objective tone but also in a manner that proves a joy to read.

A subject of this magnitude needed a book this size that packs a a lot of punch.

Remarkable...well worth the read.

This book is for anyone with an interest in psychedelics (for or against), not only ketamine. In addition to a wealth of information concerning K (touching upon both its light side and its dark side) the author presents intelligent views on broader issues such as the demonization of drugs in modern industrial society and whether psychedelic experience is entirely brain-generated or is more like tuning in to information coming from somewhere else. This is a very readable book written by someone at the cutting edge of modern consciousness research and is highly recommended.

The author captures, in detail, the myths and the facts about ketamine. He weaves a compelling story of the benefits and dangers of this powerful substance. This is essential reading for anyone who has any connection with ketamine -- doctors, psychiatrists, recreational users -- and anyone interested in psychodelic, pharmaceutical, spiritual and mindmapping exploration. This book is comprehensive and foundational. I wish I had had this book two years ago.

This is one of the best books about Ketamine that I have ever read. While it is a little scientific, it is very informative and direct. Many topics are covered and explained well.

Ketamine: Dreams and Realities touches the boundaries between oppositional dualisms. This book lights a way of transcendence outside `double binds'and limitations, which dominated Western culture since the seventeenth century.

Excellent resource for those of us who are serious about alternative paths to a higher mind. Not too technical, smooth read. Informative.