The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances

by Richard Rudgley

For all those who might like to believe that drug use has been relegated to the suburban rec rooms and ghetto crack houses of the late twentieth century, The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances offers shocking, yet thoroughly enlightening evidence to the contrary. In fact, from Neolithic man to Queen Victoria, humans have abused all sorts of drugs in the name of religion, tradition, and recreation, including such "controlled substances" as chocolate, lettuce, and toads.

From glue-sniffing to LSD to kava, The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances provides the first reliable, comprehensive exploration of this fascinating and controversial topic. With over one hundred entries, acclaimed author Richard Rudgley covers not only the chemical and botanical background of each substance, but its physiological and psychological effect on the user. Of particular value is Rudgley's emphasis on the historical and cultural role of these mind-altering substances. Impeccably researched and hugely entertaining, The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances will appeal to anyone interested in one of the most misunderstood and yet also most widespread of human activities - the chemical quest for an altered state of consciousness.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History, Drugs

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 1998

Reviews

[Lowarn Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, drawing upon a lot of sources, and written with a dry sense of humour that makes it entertaining, too.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's impossible to cram in a full history of psychoactive substances within such few pages, however, the author has done an excellent job at introducing a concise A-Z list of them to the beginner reader. A great starting point for research and a fun book to dip in and out of when curiosity comes calling. The bibliography at the back is brilliant for further reading tips.

[Deborah Krous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening.