Gordon Wasson

Robert Gordon Wasson was an American author, ethnomycologist, and banker. He is best known for his studies on the use of psychoactive mushrooms in indigenous cultures, particularly in Mexico. His work significantly contributed to the field of ethnobotany and the popularization of psychedelic mushrooms in the West.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Soma

    Divine Mushroom of Immortality

    "Soma" explores the intriguing hypothesis that the mysterious ritual drink called 'soma,' referenced in ancient Indian Vedic texts, was derived from a psychoactive mushroom. The book delves into linguistic, cultural, and ethnobotanical studies to support this theory, suggesting that the Amanita muscaria mushroom is the most likely candidate for the original soma. Through a detailed examination of the Rigveda, the author argues that soma played a central role in early Indo-Iranian religions, influencing spiritual practices and experiences. The work combines historical analysis with the study of religious rituals to shed light on how psychoactive substances have shaped human culture and spirituality.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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