Andy Letcher, Shroom: A Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom
Journal for the Study of Religion Nature and Culture January 25, 2008 DOI: 10.1558/jsrnc.v1i3.402 via OpenAlex
Summary
A cultural history of the magic mushroom traces its use and significance across different societies and time periods, from prehistoric rock art to modern psychedelic movements. The book examines how the mushroom has been intertwined with religious, spiritual, and recreational practices, and how its perception has shifted in response to scientific, legal, and social changes.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Magic telescope Art history Media studies Sociology Astrophysics |
| Key finding | The magic mushroom has a long and varied cultural history, with its role and meaning shaped by religious, spiritual, and social contexts across different eras and societies. |
Abstract
Andy Letcher, Shroom: A Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom (New York: Ecco, 2007), 384 pp. Pbk. $25.95, ISBN 0-06-082828-5.