This is an excellent resource directory for anyone with an avid
interest in psychedelics. No, it won't tell you where to get anything
illegal, but it has an extensive list of both U.S. and European
sources for spores, botanicals, books, tapes, and magazines all
related to psychedelics. I consider myself well informed on the
subject, but I had no idea there were so many organizations, newsletters
and book vendors involved in the distribution of information on
psychedelics.
The Sourcebook has been around for four years, apparently as an
underground manual for much of that time, and only now with its
publication in book form is it widely available. The Sourcebook
is divided into ten chapters: 1) Spores and Kits, 2) Spore Germination,
3) Book Catalogs, 4) Audio and Video Tapes, 5) Botanicals, 6)
Seeds, 7) Magazines and Newsletters, 8) Organizations, 9) Internet
Sites, 10) Miscellaneous. A description is given of each business,
and many of their products and prices are reprinted from their
catalogs, so the reader can comparison shop and determine who
has the cheapest price on a given item. I was very impressed with
the Internet section, which has over 100 web sites listed with
a description of each one and all organized by subject matter.
What I like best about this publication is the very candid and
unapologetic writing style of the author, Will Beifuss. If he
thinks a business has poor products or service, he will come right
out and say so without mincing his words. He has placed orders
with many of the companies to determine how long they take to
fill orders and if their products are as advertised. When a business
receives a good review, I tend to believe it because he is equally
quick to criticize as well. Here are two listings to illustrate
my point:
Mind Books 321 S. Main St. #543 Sebastopol, CA 95472 (800) 829-8127
Website: http://www.promind.com Free Catalog. Credit Card Orders Accepted
"Mind Books has put together the finest selection of books
of any company listed here. With almost 250 titles in stock, you
will discover many books you never knew existed as well as all
of the classics. Mind Books catalog is so thorough and complete
that I am left speechless. You simply must get this catalog, there
will never be a better selection to choose from anywhere. All
titles are described quite well, which makes this catalog very
readable."
Wildflowers of Heaven P.O. Box 1989 Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557
$2 Catalog $5 Catalog & 1 year of new product updates Add
25% of order for shipping under $25 Free shipping on orders over
$25
"I went through a protracted dispute with this company regarding
the authenticity of the Trichocereus peruvianus cactus they are
selling. I ordered 2 cuttings and had some very knowledgeable
people inspect them and there was unanimous agreement that they
were not T. peruvianus. Wildflowers acquiesced and changed the
name to T. mescalito, then changed it to T. peru, but they still
state in their catalog "It's our opinion that anyone wanting
a T. peruvianus plant would be just as happy with these - we believe
them to be genuine T. peruvianus, but to not offend anyone, we've
given them an alias to indicate it's only our opinion." Well,
it is my opinion you will not be "just as happy" with
these grossly overpriced mystery cacti. Order their T. pachanoi
instead, or order T. peruvianus from another company. If you have
been wanting to buy a T. peruvianus, educate yourself as to what
it looks like - I have a feeling this is not the only company
selling a mysterious Trichocereus hybrid as genuine T. peruvianus."
What could have been a rather dry reference directory is instead
a very enjoyable and informative guide to the fringe. The author
knows his subject matter very well and it shows throughout this
fine publication.
The Psychedelic Sourcebook by Will Beifuss, 1996; 72 pg. paperback,
published by Rosetta/Flowers. Available from: Rosetta, P.O. Box
4611 , Berkeley, CA 94704 $12.95+$2 S&H.
