Birth of a Psychedelic Culture: Conversations About Leary, the Harvard Experiments, Millbrook and the Sixties

For better or worse, one of the legacies of the 1960s is the use of psychedelics such as LSD. Based on conversations between Ralph Metzner and Ram Dass (Richard Alpert)--both of whom were intimately involved with Timothy Leary's first experiments with LSD at Harvard--this book describes the beginnings of the sixties culture. Metzner and Ram Dass reflect on their experiences with psychedelics and on the role they can play in altering consciousness, and recall their encounters with Allen Ginsburg, William Burroughs, Charlie Mingus and other sixties figures. The book also includes commentaries from other people involved with Leary's "scene", and numerous previously unpublished photographs. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Ram Dass, (formerly Dr. Richard Alpert), is a world famous spiritual teacher and author of the best-seller Be Here Now. He is well known for his journeys to India and his association with the guru, Neem Karoli Baba. Alpert is the founder of several organizations dedicated to expanding consciousness and awareness. Including the Lama and SEVA Foundations.Ralph Metzner, author of many books, practices psychotherapy and is Professor Emeritus at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Involved in consciousness research for over 40 years, including psychedelics, yoga, meditation, and shamanism, he is co-founder and president of the Green Earth Foundation, a non-profit educational organization devoted to healing and harmonizing the relationship between humans and the Earth.Gary Bravo is the Chief Psychiatrist for Sonoma County Mental Health in Santa Rosa, CA. He has written numerous articles on psychedelics, psychiatry, and transpersonal psychology.