Magic Mushrooms [Paperback]

Peter Stafford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2003

There are more than 100 “entheogenic” fungi known to stimulate ecstatic states in those who use them. In this provocative guide, Peter Stafford probes the history of these ancient, popular — and misunderstood — natural psychoactive substances. The most famous of the fungi are here, including the psilocybin variety, along with more esoteric mushrooms such as fly agaric, panther caps, and soma. This handbook includes photographs, illustrations, charts, tables, and chapters on the history, botany, chemistry, mental and physical effects, and preparation of magic mushrooms.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Ronin Publishing (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914171194
• ISBN-13: 978-0914171195
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.4 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #439,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Plants > Mushrooms

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ethnomycological History of the Sacred Mushrooms December 10, 2003

By John W. Allen

Format:Paperback

As a contributor to this book, I highly recommend it for all students who are interested and/or involved in the study of ethnomycology, both in the field of mycology and for those students interested in the magic Mushrooms.

The histories of the sacred mushrooms and their subsequent rediscovery in 1953 by R. Gordon Wasson has now spread throughout the known world from Oaxaca, Mexico to as far north as Alsaka and from China across Europe to the USA and to Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and South America in the south. Their chemistry, pharmacology, academia and recreational use is discussed in fascinating detail covering their entire history dating back almost 9000 years and describes in detail, some of the more than 190 known species which contain psilocybine.

Also under discussion are the Amanita muscaria and A. pantherina (Soma) mushrooms and the Boletus and Rusulla mushrooms used by aborigine groups in New Guinea.

A superb effort on the part of Peter Stafford to bring this updated revived chapter from his Psychedelic Encyclopedia to the attention of the general public at an affordable price to all.

With dozens of illustrations and numerous new photographs and a cover by me.

John W. Allen

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful info. on these different mushrooms December 6, 2011

By stephanie mckechnie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I thought this book was interesting but would have liked more info. on how to get these mushrooms and the legality issues of ordering from overseas and growing them in the US. It's a starting point.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not much help September 24, 2009

By Tommy

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

i bought this book in hopes of getting a better understanding of mushrooms. this book failed miserably. it was some what interesting. but not useful for any type of research, or growing techniques.