PHARMAKO GNOSIS; Plant Teachers and the Poison Path

Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2010. Enlarged ed. Large trade paperback. Light shelfwear. Very Good. 389 pp. Delving deep into the world of psychoactive plants, including ayahuasca, Pharmako/Gnosis serves as a comprehensive and standalone guide. Celebrated by readers as a modern classic, this is a must-have for anyone interested in the science, history, and lore of psychoactive substances. He delves into the worlds of traditional use and modern interpretations of substances such as: Amanita muscaria, Ayahuasca, Iboga, Jurema (Mimosa hostilis), Ketamine, Kratom, Mescal Bean, Morning Glory, Peyote, Psilocybe, and more. Pharmako/Gnosis offers more than a mere historical or pharmacological background of these substances. Pendell delves into the nuances of each substance's effect on consciousness with a poetic finesse, bringing to life our profound and intricate relationship with these potent compounds. He approaches the topic with genuine curiosity, acknowledging the transformative power these substances wield over individuals, societies, and cultures. The narrative, enriched by a wealth of quotations from acclaimed writers, is as intoxicating as the substances it explores, brewing a unique literary concoction.