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Product Description
Sex, drugs and magick are fascinating and dangerous subjects in these times. When put together, they are absolute dynamite! Originally published by Playboy Press, this book can be considered a "scholarly" appraisal of both the historical and modern use (and misuse) of drugs in conjunction with sex and "occult" practices. But don't let the word "scholarly" put you off. Done in Wilson's inimitable style, this book is filled with humour, cynicism, wonder and essential information for those who would pursue what can be an immensely rewarding path, potholed with an array of social and physical dangers.
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It is a psychoanalytical truism that many people turn to the desensitizing drugs, such as morphine or heroin, in order to flee from their sexual problems, that is, to turn themselves off erotically. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
It is a psychoanalytical truism that many people turn to the desensitizing drugs, such as morphine or heroin, in order to flee from their sexual problems, that is, to turn themselves off erotically. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Wilson has provided an enlightening and entertaining roadmap of narcotics, sexual rituals and the occult. Each chapter provides a anecdote and a factual(?) essay on a major recreational drug. The problem is that some of Wilson's facts are questionable. Wilson's statments may have been correct based on information available at the time of the original writing (circa 1974). But we know now that cocaine is in fact addictive. It is unfortunate because I believe that most of what Wilson states is true (particularly the George Washington as the father of hemp secion), but with some obvious blunders it is hard to discern the truth from fiction. The personal anecdotes range from comical to chilling. Anyone engaged in illicit drugs, or are considering experimentation should read this book to get some perspective as to the psycho-sexual effects of the drugs.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Sex and Drugs is a book in which Robert Anton Wilson presents a lucid and rational perspective on how drugs can change perception and behaviour. Wilson uses his own life experiences and his encounters with friends and acquaintances over the years to show how drugs and drug culture can alter people lives - sometimes radically so. As a piece of post modern anthropology this work is outstanding. Through case studies, supplemented by medical evidence, research, and informed opinion, Wilson takes the reader into a world that is curiously absent of the seedy-drug ethos that is presented in the media. A must buy book for the open-minded intellectual.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Robert A. Wilson for President
29 Nov 2005
Format:Paperback
The title: Sex, Drugs & Magick, sure is eye-catching. Not only that, but the book is written by none other than Robert Anton Wilson, known for writing interesting things about controversial topics. And on top of that, the publisher is New Falcon Publications, known for its desire to publish books that really has something to say.
The original title of the book (and its first edition name) was Sex, Drugs, and the Occult, and these are the topics dealt with. Now "occult", however, has been changed into "magick", since Wilson is of the opinion that the word "occult" never really fit the rest of the book.
But, the title is still somewhat misleading, if you ask me. Wilson himself says he focuses on the combination sex and drugs; different drugs, taken during different circumstances, and how these can affect - for better or worse - any sexual stimulation.
And sure, in the beginning this is indeed what the book is all about. But, when looked at from a larger perspective one get the feeling that it's really a story about different drugs and how they affect the way the user relates to world around him or her. Most of the time the sex is there, in one way or another, but the book is not only about sex and drugs.
But I don't think that matters very much. Wilson has, as always, created something great, and I sure had a good time reading it. And it's arranged in quite an interesting way: every other chapter is called an interlude, where Wilson offers very interesting portraits of people he's met during his long and fascinating life, the different drugs these people used, and how the drugs came to affect their lives. In between these interludes you'll find purely non-fictional essays, and the combination of the non-fiction with something subjective descriptive works perfectly.
It's important to point out, however, that it's not a book arguing for the legalization of all drugs known to man. It's written for responsible adults, and Wilson, while never hesitating in admitting how he's tested most drugs out there, is still keen to make sure to the reader that drugs are drugs; dangerous substances that easily can be abused, overdosed, and result in both physical and psychical suffering and death. He's not saying you should try them, but he's also not saying you shouldn't: the use of a drug does not equal abuse of a drug. He's simply trying to be neutral, and chooses to focus on descriptions, instead debating whether or not they should made legal.
All in all the book is just as good as I thought it would be. Just as the title says, if you read it you'll learn a lot about sex, drugs, and magick, and I have no choice but to recommend it to you.
And, it can be quite interesting having it around when your fiends are coming over. The title will definitely get a lot of attention.
The original title of the book (and its first edition name) was Sex, Drugs, and the Occult, and these are the topics dealt with. Now "occult", however, has been changed into "magick", since Wilson is of the opinion that the word "occult" never really fit the rest of the book.
But, the title is still somewhat misleading, if you ask me. Wilson himself says he focuses on the combination sex and drugs; different drugs, taken during different circumstances, and how these can affect - for better or worse - any sexual stimulation.
And sure, in the beginning this is indeed what the book is all about. But, when looked at from a larger perspective one get the feeling that it's really a story about different drugs and how they affect the way the user relates to world around him or her. Most of the time the sex is there, in one way or another, but the book is not only about sex and drugs.
But I don't think that matters very much. Wilson has, as always, created something great, and I sure had a good time reading it. And it's arranged in quite an interesting way: every other chapter is called an interlude, where Wilson offers very interesting portraits of people he's met during his long and fascinating life, the different drugs these people used, and how the drugs came to affect their lives. In between these interludes you'll find purely non-fictional essays, and the combination of the non-fiction with something subjective descriptive works perfectly.
It's important to point out, however, that it's not a book arguing for the legalization of all drugs known to man. It's written for responsible adults, and Wilson, while never hesitating in admitting how he's tested most drugs out there, is still keen to make sure to the reader that drugs are drugs; dangerous substances that easily can be abused, overdosed, and result in both physical and psychical suffering and death. He's not saying you should try them, but he's also not saying you shouldn't: the use of a drug does not equal abuse of a drug. He's simply trying to be neutral, and chooses to focus on descriptions, instead debating whether or not they should made legal.
All in all the book is just as good as I thought it would be. Just as the title says, if you read it you'll learn a lot about sex, drugs, and magick, and I have no choice but to recommend it to you.
And, it can be quite interesting having it around when your fiends are coming over. The title will definitely get a lot of attention.
26 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Demystification
18 Feb 2000
Format:Paperback
R. A. Wilson's early book on secret orders of the old and drugs of today. Mystics and psychedelics, cops and addicts. Promiscuity and frigidity. All of these are taken into account, which is definately a scholarly look into the world of drugs and whether or not they are dangerous as well as the uses for them and their user intentions. Each chapter looks in depth into a different drug, there are 5 main drugs: LSD, Cocaine, Alcohol, Marijuana, and Heroin. After each chapter there is a story that gives a personal account of someone RAW met whom had troubles with dugs, either of addiction or some other problem that drugs helped or caused damage. Overall its an objective look into drugs, although Wilson gives some hints that he is pro-drugs (by the fact that he himslef clearly states his use of drugs). However, like Leary and Crowley, the use of drugs should be used moderately, intelligently and with a guide. The reason this book did not get 5 stars is because A) there are so many mispellings in this book that New Falcon should look it over again, or whoever edits this book should be replaced. B) R. A. Wilson, although it is quite clear in how intelligent he is, and his comprehension level is amazing, yet he takes a complex subject like the works of Aleister Crowley and explains the message behind the veil (perhaps it can be argued of what Crowley is really saying, but this is what I gatehred in the reading). Robert A. Wilson shows Crowleys work in a new light, certainly, but it was too explanatory and made Crowleys work too obvious to enjoy the mystery behind the works of the great Magician. Nonetheless, however, I feel its a good companion to the rest of Wilson's work, and by right it fits in niceley. Wilson has done a great job researching his material showing both the cons and pros of drugs which would make one not only more aware of the drug they choose (if they choose, as well as drugs in themselves), but also being aware of the circumstances surrounding them as well as consequences. Reccomended with this book is Timothy Leary's book "The Delicious Grace of Moving One's Hand."
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Sex and Drugs: A Journey Beyond Limits
13 Jun 2003
Format:Paperback
This book takes a rather interesting point of view that will not sit well with those who do not think... To do the quality and type of work pointed out here is well beyond the capabilities of the average. Instead of believing what the media shamans tell you or the scientistic-priests ( you know, the so-called credible scientists that tell the world with a straight face that they know, a priori, that anything beyond their personal experience cannot possibly be true... ), an intelligent reviewer might find themselves practicing sex, pranyama and the ingestion of THC while keeping strict and accurate journals that may be peer reviewed.
As an aside, WHO THE ... CAN TELL ANOTHER WHAT ENLIGHTENMENT IS? Wilson points at "Higher Consciousness", if you will forgive the play on words there, but does not preach WHAT it will be for anyone. Hmmm... Seems strange that people seeking enlightenment still sound as if they KNOW what it IS. Some reviewers crack me up.
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