SOMA: Divine Mushroom of Immortality; (Ethno-mycological Studies No. 1)

New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc, 1973. Pictorial wrappers. Very Good +. A very interesting Association copy: INSCRIBED BY R. GORDON WASSON TO REVEREND JAMES PARKS MORTON, DEAN OF NEW YORK'S CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE, on the half-title. A solid, very presentable copy to boot of this 1973 paperback re-issue of one of the great works in both 20th century mycology and the literature of hallucinogens. Bright and VG to VG+ in its pictorial wrappers, with some creasing to the spine and very light toning, soiling and edgewear to the wrappers. The small original price crossed out in ink at the lower front wrapper as well. Highly-influential study of the psychoactive Amanita Muscaria mushroom, commonly known as "fly-agaric" or "fly-amanita". The work details the history and use of "SOMA", which Wasson identifies as the "hallucinogenic sacrament of the Rigveda