Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers Paperback – November 1, 2001

The authors Richard Schultes, director of the Botanical Museum at Harvard and Albert Hofmann, discoverer of LSD and former director of the Pharmaceutical-Chemical Research Lab in Basel, Switzerland, together have over fourteen years of research in field of botany, chemistry and ethnobotony. In their book the authors offer an ethnobological look at the sacred use of hallucinogenic plants and include: an introduction to hallucinogenic plants, a plant lexicon, overview of plant use chart, detailed section of fourteen major hallucinogenic plants, and concludes with an overview of the chemical structure of hallucinogens.The plant lexicon includes ninety-one known and most common hallucinogenic plants with: a colored picture for each plant, botanical name, geographic location, hallucinogenic properties and a short description of the individual plant. Following the lexicon is a chart overview of each plant that includes: usage in history, context and purpose, preparation, chemical components and effects. Following the chart is a detailed account fourteen major hallucinogenic plants. "Most of these plants are or have been culturally and materially important...that they can not be overlooked "(81). The authors include: a descriptive history, gathering techniques, rituals, the chemical make-up of the plant, pictures of ceremonies, and artwork of "visions" by people.Plants of the Gods is more than a research book, it is a guide to understanding the role hallucinogens play in various religious cultures using a scientific and anthropological approach.This review is based on the 1992 publication:Schultus, Richard E., and Albert Hofmann. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 1992.

There are plenty of books scientific (or otherwise) on the actions of hallucinogenic plants (from every possible viewpoint). What sets this book apart is providing a sound description of the chemical properties of plants together with the spiritual context in which they are used.It isn't packed with biochemical formulae, but at the same time has enough information on active ingredients to provide a starting point for understanding and further research (if desired). For those interested in biochemical properties of plants CRC Press publish a range of comprehensive but expensive guides.The author also provides a cultural context, describing how the plants are/were used by societies both past and present during religious rights. Folklore is also very well covered (my main interest with this book - as an aside there is little of culinary interest within text).The pictures of plants (and people) are superb. There are also some fascinating diagrams (world map showing indigenous hallucinogens), and a pictures showing illustrating the role of hallucinogens on aboriginal and western art.The writing style makes this work much more accessible and enjoyable to read than other texts. The text is supported by excellent illustrations. Plants of the Gods is in a class of it's own.

I am an anthropology major with a focus in ethnobotany. Believe it or not, I found this book through looking into Schultes, but when I saw that it was co-written by Hoffman, I knew I had to purchase it. I have never been happier to purchase a textbook in my life. This book helped kindle my love for ethnobotany and I recommend it to anyone interested in the powerful plants that enhance our world.

I had this book in the 90s I read it at least 3 times over the course of 7 years in ‘02 I sold off an extensive collection of books both on artistry and of similar subjects this book for its infoyamd styling was missed quite often, so I kept my eyes open for it, though ultimately I had to order it here I was happy with this new cover, and quite pleased that the format appears relatively unaltered, this is a go to book for many reasons in which you can grow your broad spectrum herbal knowledges.

My profession is Mental Health and I am also interested in plants and their uses. As a prescriber and a student of Psychiatry this book offers more insights into the uses of various plants across cultures and over time.

Another resource book about psychoactive plants. 4 stars because I already have "The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants:..."This book is a field guide when compared to the aforementioned book.However, It is still a great resource with some decent photographs & a little history.

Amazingly well put together book on entheogenic drug-producing plants. This book has a large array of color pictures and you will literally get immersed in the subject. It is head and shoulders above thousands of similar books which might have a smattering of pictures hidden within hundreds of pages of text. This book is just the opposite - high quality pictures everywhere and the text is only what it needs to be. The authors aren't trying to prove some hypothesis, they are just showing you what the plants look like and telling you what they do in as few words as possible. It comes off as a high-art coffee-table type of book, being salient yet poetic. This book would make an EXCELLENT gift and I can't recommend it enough.

Researching about the history of hallucinogenic plants and their uses, very good read.