The Alchemy of Culture

by Richard Rudgley

Book Overview

From opium in Stone Age Europe to petrol sniffing in aboriginal Australia, intoxicants have always featured prominently in societies all over the world. In this study, the author shows how "magic... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0714127116
• ISBN13: 9780714127118
• Release Date: December 1993
• Publisher: British Museum Press
• Length: 160 Pages

Customer Reviews

The alchemy of culture

Intoxicants have played an important part in societies all over the world throughout history. Shows that intoxicants in various cultures have all had a central role in religious or social life, & that the altered states of consciousness produced by each intoxicant are shaped by cultural values. Explores the role of scientists & artists in introducing new hallucinogens, such as mescaline & LSD, into the West. Looks at the social aspects of milder stimulants, including coffee, tea, qat, betel, cola, coca & pituri, showing that their significance extends beyond the pleasure of the individual to the religious, econ., political & sexual life of communities. Illustrated