The Wondrous Mushroom. Mycolatry in Mesoamerica

New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company. 1980.

First, signed limited edition. Number 82 of 475 (out of a total of 501, the first 26, hors commerce, being lettered) and signed by Wasson at the colophon. Printed on special paper made by Cartiera di Sarego and with design and printing by Stamperia Valdonega in Verona. Folio. 305x210mm. pp, xxvi, 248, [2]. Handsomely bound in green quarter morocco, beige cloth with decorated covers, spine lettered in gilt. Top edge gilt. With original cloth slipcase. Very slight fading to spine but otherwise in excellent condition. Internally fine with extensive illustrations. A beautiful copy of this important book which takes as its starting point Wasson's encounter in 1955 with Maria Sabina, a Mazatec Shamaness. The series of sessions which followed changed Wasson's life and the article he wrote about the experience for Life magazine in 1957 was arguably the starting point for America's psychedelic revolution. The Wondrous Mushroom appeared at the end of Wasson's life - he died in 1986 - and represents a summation and amplification of themes that had preoccupied him throughout his life in mycolatry. But never had they been presented so beautifully.