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Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story
 
 
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Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story (Paperback)

by Alexander Shulgin (Author), Ann Shulgin (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 978 pages
  • Publisher: Transform Press (September 1991)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0963009605
  • ISBN-13: 978-0963009609
  • Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,253 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #29 in  Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Scientists
    #44 in  Books > Science > Chemistry > General & Reference
    #52 in  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Drug Dependency

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Customer Reviews

36 Reviews
5 star:
 (32)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (36 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Pihkal: It will change you., February 5, 2001
By "dregaron" (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
This book is divided into two halves. The first half is the story of Shulgin's life, from childhood to modern times. It is a moving and beautiful tale of one man's attempt to make sense of the world and his place in it. Intertwined in this personal experience is a budding love affair with a woman who could only be rated as amazing.

The second half consists of Shulgin's recipes and notes on the synthesis of every compound in the Phenethylamine category that he has ever made.

Overall, this book will change the way you feel about psychedelics, and the reasons that people use them. The story is at times inspiring, at times heartbreaking, and always genuine. Highly recommended as an introduction to the spirituality behind psychedelics and some of the issues involved with them.

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29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent. A prerequisite to the world of psychedelic drugs, March 23, 1999
By A Customer
This book is fascinating. It is not an "I like trippin' and listenin' to the Dead" book. It is a very thorough, interesting account of the work of two very intelligent and thoughtful people in the area of psychedelic drugs and their influence on/application to human life. Here's a quote that gives some idea of the orientation of the book: of marijuana (not a phenethylamine, and thus, not really addressed fully in the book), Shulgin writes, "I have chosen not to use marijuana, as I feel the light-headed intoxication and benign alteration of consciousness does not adequately compensate for an uncomfortable feeling that I am wasting time." Of psychedelics, he writes, "the potential of the psychedelic drugs to provide access to the interior universe, is, I believe, their most valuable property." This isn't a book about seeing jerry-bears and setting up clandestine labs. It's an introduction to a new way of exploring one's relationship to the rest of the universe. It is wonderful and an invaluable resource to all who are willing to try to deal with this piece of the puzzle.
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32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Important scientific biography, interesting new-age history, October 30, 2001
I had assumed this book to be new-age fluff after having
seen it referenced so often in other new-age fluff books.
So I was quite surprised to find that it is really a
fascinating scientific biography, a genre I am
personally addicted to. The 'love story' wanders into the
fluff zone occasionally, and the chemistry recipe book
wanders into extreme alchemical arcana, but overall its
a comprehensive compendium that is unique as far as I know,
and a valuable record of the behind-the-scenes history
of the California new-age 80's. I am only puzzled at
Dr. Shulgin's lack of comment or experience in the traditional
spiritual practices, since even though he frequented Zen centers
while doing his assays, he seems not to be the least curious
as to the perspectives of these traditions.

I was also interested to read more about the mysterious therapist
referred to as 'Jacob' in the book 'The Secret Chief' by author
Myron Stolaroff. Check out this book after 'Pikhal' and you
will get a fresh and equally important perspective on the
practices of this seminal group of psychic healers/explorers.

somebody oughta make a movie! :)

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Psychedelic Literature
As anyone familiar to this series is aware, this is the seminal psych lit of its generation, the post rave nineties. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Quinn Collingwood

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the best books written.
This book has the story and the science, the fantasy and the dry reality. I love there is a love story here as well. Read more
Published 10 months ago by C. Rushing

5.0 out of 5 stars Pihkal, truely a love story with one's work.
I thought this book very infomative and educational.
It gives great insight to DR.Shulgin & his wifes life work.
A must read for any aspiring chemist. Read more
Published on October 26, 2005 by James R. Raven

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly analytical, relevant and a record of reality......
I purchased PIHKAL from Amazon and read it in it's entirety.

The most poignant aspect of this book reveals that as we are organic machines, our consciousness is just... Read more
Published on September 29, 2005 by Sy

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Resource
For the person looking for both hard information regarding the world of psychedelic substances, and an enjoyable, honest and heartfelt love story, this is for you... Read more
Published on September 12, 2005 by Searching

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
Very interesting. Very well explained, and the chemistry is flawless. 6 Stars to be truthful.. A must have for any chemist.
Published on August 24, 2005 by M. Schillio-Szachta

5.0 out of 5 stars Read it
Probably the best book I've ever read. Makes you look at life in a new light. Highly recommended.
Published on July 28, 2005 by Mark Twain

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and Awesome!
Very rarely would one find a scientific journal worthy of study. This is one. It is jam packed with experiments, observations, thoughts and procedures related to the chemistry... Read more
Published on April 5, 2005 by Robert S. Vannrox

5.0 out of 5 stars exellent!
this is one of a kind.

It stands proud in my library and with good reason.

buy this book its an order.
Published on February 23, 2005 by David Bangsbo Jensen

1.0 out of 5 stars Only people who love Psychedelics could like this.
Only people who already use psychedelics could actually like this book. The first parts (the story parts) are horribly written. Dr. Read more
Published on August 30, 2004 by Ron Va

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