Awards

• Runner-up for Independent Book Publisher Award 2013 (United States)
• Runner-up for Nautilus Book Awards 2013 (United States)
• Winner of New Mexico / Arizona Book Awards 2013 (United States)

Overview

Mystic Chemist begins at the start of the twentieth century, in the Swiss town of Basel which is evolving from a popular health spa into a major industrial city. The story concludes more than a century later, after celebrating Albert Hofmann's 100th birthday. It tells the unique story of a soon to be famous scientist, highlighting his academic journey, his research at Sandoz and then, as the discoverer of LSD, his meetings and interactions with illustrious writers, artists and thinkers, from all over the world, whose common interest is a fascination with the new wonder-drug. Luminaries like Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert appear on the scene and Hofmann begins a prolific correspondence with them and other interested parties. Sometimes he sends a sample, other times he hears of their ""trips"" on LSD or other psychedelic substances, like mescaline or psilocybin. From the beginning he takes a positive view towards efforts by physicians and psychotherapists to include LSD in new approaches to the treatment of illnesses. He sees the ""psychedelic"" potential of this ""wonder drug"" as beneficial to all. And he expresses his conviction that mystical experiences and trips to other worlds of consciousness are the best preparation for the very last journey he and every one of us well must eventually make. At the age of 102, Albert Hofmann dies at home. His vitality and open mindedness stay with him until his last breath. The life of Albert Hofmann, the Mystic Chemist, is a testimony to how one can reach a great age all the while remaining physically and mentally fit and spiritually aware. Mystic Chemist: The Life of Albert Hofmann and His Discovery of LSD tells the story of Albert Hofmann's life and the parallel story of the wonder-drug, LSD. The book runs to 408 pages and contains over 500 color and black and white photographs, illustrations and drawings; some of them never published before. With a foreword by world renowned Czech psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, Mystic Chemist will be published in May 2013, and is available in hardcover and softcover editions.

Full Product Details

9780907791447

Table of Contents

Reviews

The best compendium of the birth and transformative effect of one of the greatest discoveries ever made. -- Alex Grey, Visionary Artist

Much more interesting than a conventional biography, this book is a grand sweep of how his discovery affected civilization. That they chose to highlight how his work affected vast areas of world culture makes this a reference book as well as a history of one very long and valued life. Hofmann's influence, direct and indirect, embedded in a fully described cultural context has never been better reported. The book is also packed with images that added immeasurably to this reader's understanding of how much of what I value and respect worldwide has been touched and enhanced by Albert Hofmann's contributions, and his philosophical/scientific/mystical orientation. A must own and read and reread book. -- James Fadiman, PhD Author, The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic and Sacred Journeys

Much more interesting than a conventional biography, this book is a grand sweep of how his discovery affected civilization. That they chose to highlight how his work affected vast areas of world culture makes this a reference book as well as a history of one very long and valued life. Hofmann's inf

Much more interesting than a conventional biography, this book is a grand sweep of how his discovery affected civilization. That they chose to highlight how his work affected vast areas of world culture makes this a reference book as well as a history of one very long and valued life. Hofmann s influence, direct and indirect, embedded in a fully described cultural context has never been better reported. The book is also packed with images that added immeasurably to this reader s understanding of how much of what I value and respect worldwide has been touched and enhanced by Albert Hofmann s contributions, and his philosophical/scientific/mystical orientation. A must own and read and reread book. -- James Fadiman, PhD Author, The Psychedelic Explorer s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic and Sacred Journeys

Author Information

Dieter Hagenbach was programme executive of the international symposium in Basel on the occasion of Albert Hofmann's 100th birthday. Lucius Werthmuller is a consciousness researcher and parapsychologist. He was project director of the international symposium held in Basel. As a child he met Albert Hofmann, a good friend of Werthmuller's parents, and remained close to him until the end of his life.

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