Review from a Transgressive Fiction Fan
Towards the end of his life Aldous Huxley was introduced to psychedelics, still legal at that time. His analyses of the phenomenon are detailed in these two essays here combined in one volume. For further reading about his relationship to such drugs see, of course, the various biographies about Huxley, particularly Huxley in Hollywood, and his wife’s collection of essays by and about him and these drugs entitled Moksha. For his use of his experiences in literature see his novel Island.
Though dated, much of what Huxley surmises about the way psychedelics work still corresponds in a general way with contemporary theory and all of what he writes in describing the psychedelic experience is quite well done.
Note that Huxley was legally blind throughout most of his life–a reason for his fascination with his pelucid inner vision?
“Insightful” Review from a Mainstream Reader
Ramblings of an obnoxious intellectual tripping on mescaline. Very hard to read and frequently incoherent.