Hofmann's Elixir: LSD and the the New Eleusis Paperback – April 29, 2010

Great book, nothing else to say

In a 'better world' Albert Hofmann would have been one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. Not only for his discovery of LSD but mainly because it's so rare these days to find the perfect combination of mystic, philosopher and scientist.In this small but potent book we get an interview with a remarkable fresh and vigorous Hofmann conducted up to his 100th (!) birthday. But also a series of later day essays dealing with the discovery of LSD, his profound arguments for the obvious fact of 'intelligent design' and mini-portraits of fellow travelers like Ernst Jünger and Aldous Huxley.Second part of the book entails essays written in hommage to Albert. Words of wisdom from the likes of Stanislav Grof, Ralph Metzner and the woman behind this valuable book: Amanda Feilding.The market seems overflowing with naive, poorly written books by people who think they have discovered 'The Truth' because they have dabbled a bit with psychedelics of different sorts. Albert Hofman is a prime example of a person who has truly benefitted from these substances: creative, humble, intelligent and penetrating.

In a 'better world' Albert Hofmann would have been one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. Not only for his discovery of LSD but mainly because it's so rare these days to find the perfect combination of mystic, philosopher and scientist.In this small but potent book we get an interview with a remarkable fresh and vigorous Hofmann conducted up to his 100th (!) birthday. But also a series of later day essays dealing with the discovery of LSD, his profound arguments for the obvious fact of 'intelligent design' and mini-portraits of fellow travelers like Ernst Jünger and Aldous Huxley.Second part of the book entails essays written in hommage to Albert. Words of wisdom from the likes of Stanislav Grof, Ralph Metzner and the woman behind this valuable book: Amanda Feilding.The market seems overflowing with naive, poorly written books by people who think they have discovered 'The Truth' because they have dabbled a bit with psychedelics of different sorts. Albert Hofman is a prime example of a person who has truly benefitted from these substances: creative, humble, intelligent and penetrating.

Hofmann's writings are worth reading. The rest of the book is interesting too.