Customer Reviews

Mushrooms, Russia, and history,

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The book is available for free downloading in PDF form on several websites. Just enter "Mushrooms, Russia, and History Wasson."

This was originally published in 1957 and was co-written with Wassons wife Valentina. Its a HUGE two volume set covering Mushrooms in history, folk customs and folklore, diet, and culture in various European countries. Wassons wife was a Russian who was raised in a Baltic country so there is an emphasis on Mushroom culture in Russia in this. Also chapters on famous murders by poisoning using mushrooms, the Toad and its relation in European folk beliefs to Mushrooms. It talks about how Toads and Mushrooms were seen as emissaries of satan after Christianity took hold in Europe. Plenty on the Amanita Muscaria Mushroom too. On top of that its full of many full page plates of Mushrooms and Mushroom related artwork.

Volume two has a lot about Indian tribes in Mexico and their use of Psilocybin Mushrooms. There are also photos of their ceremonies as well as even more dealing with Mushrooms in Europe and Mushroom related art. With all the garbage being published these days it makes it that much more of a shame that this incredible set of books is out of print. Incredibly as I am writing this review the cheapest used copy available is asking over $2000!