Peyote: The Divine Cactus [Paperback]

Edward F. Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1996

Dry whiskey, Divine herb, Devil’s root, Medicine of God, Peyote: for some people, to use it is to hear colors and see sounds. For many Native Americans, it brings an ability to reach out of their physical lives, to communicate with the spirits, and to become complete. For chemists, pharmacologists, and psychiatrists, the plant is fascinating in its complexity and in the ways its chemicals work upon the human mind. What is it in peyote that causes such unusual effects? Can modern medical science learn anything from Native Americans’ use of peyote in curing a wide variety of ailments? What is the Native American Church, and how do its members use peyote? Does anyone have the legal right to use drugs or controlled substances in religious ceremonies? Within this volume are answers to these and dozens of other questions surrounding the controversial and remarkable cactus. Greatly expanded and brought up-to-date from the 1980 edition, these pages describe peyote ceremonies and the users’ experiences, and also cover the many scientific and legal aspects of using the plant. Well written, informative, comprehensive, and enlightening, the book will be welcomed by counselors, anthropologists, historians, physicians, chemists, lawyers, and observers of the contemporary drug scene, as well as by interested general readers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Drugs have had an extraordinary impact on contemporary life in this country. . . . No other social problem has generated so much debate and controversy. No other area of public policy formulation is so riddled with half-truths and false information. Edward Anderson’s book fills a gap that needed to be filled."—Journal of Psychoactive Drugs "This book will certainly contribute to a better understanding and respect for this substance."—Drug Survival News "Especially admirable [are] its relatively objective tone and the breadth of its learning. . . . a tour de force of interdisciplinary scholarship."—Arizona and the West "Each chapter is extremely informative and enlightening. . . . [The book exhibits] deep sensitivity and understanding . . . for the plight of the Mexican and American Indians in their desire to use peyote in the face of the white man’s prohibitions against it."—Street Pharmacologist "

About the Author

Now Senior Research Botanist at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Edward F. Anderson was on the faculty of Whitman College for thirty years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press; 2 edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816516545
• ISBN-13: 978-0816516544
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #277,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Plants > Cacti & Succulents

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Peyote: The Divine Cactus, October 16, 2005

By 

Rodger Wahl "owl" (Weslaco, Tx USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Peyote: The Divine Cactus (Paperback)

This is a very informitive book that covers history, ceremonies,
users experiences, and much more. As a member of the Native American Church I recommed it to members and non-members alike.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The authoritative study of peyote, December 13, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Peyote: The Divine Cactus (Paperback)

The most complete authority on the peyote cactus, Lophophora williamsii. E. Anderson includes every aspects of peyote- history and religious uses to ethnobotanical, phytochemistry and pharmacology. For anyone interested in learning all aspects of this mystifying plant, Peyote: The Divine Cactus, will allow just that.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, August 25, 2008

By 

Arik J. Beal "HappyHeathen" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Peyote: The Divine Cactus (Paperback)

This book if very informative. It covers everything about the Peyote cactus. biology, propogation, history etc. A must have for anyone interested in this species of cacti.

The book arived in a timely matter and was in great condition.