Tripping: An Anthology of True-Life Psychedelic Adventures [Paperback]

Charles Hayes (Author, Editor, Introduction), Terence McKenna (Contributor)

Book Description

Release date: November 1, 2000

Taking a balanced, objective approach, the book depicts a broad spectrum of altered states, from the sublime to the terrifying. Included are fifty narratives about unforgettable psychedelic experiences from an international array of subjects representing all walks of life. Supplemental essays provide a synopsis of the history and culture of psychedelics and a discussion of the kinetics of tripping.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Editor Hayes' "brief cultural history of tripping" contains 50 personal accounts of psychedelic drug use both by such names as sf author Robert Charles Wilson and, mostly, by first-name-only regular folks. Hayes' purpose is to delineate the place in contemporary cultural history of psychedelic substances and the urge to ingest them. "The fact is that human beings will always want to suspend everyday reality . . and they will always be at least curious about alternate states of consciousness," he says, citing historical antecedents. The reminiscences recall using the likes of LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, and the range of experiences reported is panoramic and includes much rumination. The concluding conversation with "shamanologist," lecturer, and author Terrence McKenna, "arguably, the most eloquent . . . spokesman for the psychedelic experience and the plant kingdom from which it emanates," is entirely fitting. For seriously treating what is often characterized as nihilistic and destructive entertainment, the book deserves its place in the literature of psychoactive substances. Mike Tribby
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"... a fascinating journey through the wonders and terrors of psychedelic life." -- Elle, Nov. 2000

...the best collection of psychedelic traveler's tales that I have read in a long, long time. -- Jay Stevens, author of Storming Heaven: LSD and the American Dream

This courageous book ...will captivate, inspire, caution and educate. -- Rick Doblin, founder, Multidisplincary Association for Psychedlic Studies

This terrifically engaging compendium ...avoids all of the expected ...cliches. ...a group of highly literate...testimonies... -- Publishers Weekly, September 11, 2000

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Compass (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140195742
• ISBN-13: 978-0140195743
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,394 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was brought up in suburban Chicago not far from the lake and Northwestern University. I went to high school in Winnetka, an affluent town and I think it had a positive influence, on me anyway, to be exposed to people with money who believed anything was possible and within reach. I went to college in New London, CT, and graduated from University of Wisconsin. My early-adult psychedelic experiences were the deepest experiences of my life, especially in combination with women I've loved.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Armchair Tripping! November 13, 2001

By "firespark"

Format:Paperback

This anthology of true life psychadelic experiences, from LSD and Ecstacy to peyote and ayahuasca, is an entertaining, enlightening trip into the world of mind altering drugs, which probably is too honest and unbiased for the liking of authorities who wish to erase drugs from society. Its candid and honest perspective is a refreshing change from the constant message that drugs are bad and must be obliterated. In Tripping, both euphoric and terrifying experiences are related, as well the use of entheogens, drugs used for spiritual purposes. Tripping neither encourages or discourages drug use, it simply lays the facts out straight. Although every trip differs, there are themes that turn up frequently, such as a higher understanding of self and life, of enlightenment, and sometimes of complete disorientation and panic. I'd highly reccomend Tripping to anyone interested in hallucinogenics and tripping.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's time to come out of the psychedelic closet November 10, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

The censors of consciousness are not going to like this book, which is reason enough to read it. For those who have taken a psychedelic journey or two it's a confirmation and vivid reminder of the experience. I was startled to see descriptions of unusual events and/or visions that I could have written myself, they were so similar to my own. For those who haven't ingested a psychedelic the book is must reading; it offers insights into the experience that are revealing, inspiring, and sometimes frightening. These drugs change lives, often for the better, especially if the set and setting are paid the proper attention. These stories testify to this fact. We would all be amazed and delighted if everyone who had ever benefited from psychedelics went public with it. Differing forms of these substances have been used for as long as there have been human beings, sometimes playing a vital role. One need only realize/recognize/remember that the religious systems of India and Greece, to name just two, were dependent on the use of psychedelic plants, to understand their potential value. Read this book: it will open your eyes. And to all users of psychedelics, past and present, I issue a challenge: Don't let others tell you what you can and can't do with your own mind and consciousness. Stand up for your rights, which are being whittled away daily by those running the Drug War--and make no mistake, it is a war. Half the prison population is comprised of drug POWs. Speak up. Defend yourself. Come out, come out, wherever--and whomever--you are.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Psychedelic experience as story-telling November 15, 2004

By Ustaath

Format:Paperback

This book contains an amazing interview with Terence McKenna, which took place toward the end of his life, that is worth the price of the book.

Tripping is the best story-telling approach to the psychedelic encounter that I have read or experienced. I have always felt that all story-telling festivals need a psychedelic tent, because these extreme experiences are some of the best stories human beings can tell. Through the psychedelic medium human beings still tell stories of meeting gods and demons, travelling to new fantastic worlds, and taking mythic and perilous journeys.

Even though these stories are about the experiences of a number of travellers, Hayes has expertly rewritten their accounts through a single narrative voice. This gives the book continuity it otherwise might have lacked.

Bruce Eisner's story about taking too much LSD at Burning Man is hilarious. Very well done.