Ecstasy: In and About Altered States

"A mind is a terrible thing to waste, and there is much being wasted when one deliberately chooses not to explore the ecstasy of its deeper horizons." p.252 Anonymous

This is quite a nice book that's definitely worth having a look at. If you're an art connoisseur then you'll probably get the most out of this.

It has first and foremost modern drug-related art. It contains a nice variety of trippy and beautiful pictures as well as info on the artists. There are a number of essays included, some about art and the history of the relationship between drugs and art, citing Dali and Burroughs and many more. And within are also other essays simply about drugs.

The best thing about this book in my opinion (artwork aside) was the very last essay, entitled Confessions of a Middle-aged Ecstasy Eater by Anonymous. It was touching and exciting, deeply honest and beautifully written. The author was a former professional poet/journalist/novelist (wonder who?) and that is evident in his writing.

However, some of the reading was rather dry. Perhaps if I was more into artists and poets of the early 20th century I would have found it more enjoyable. Overall still well worth my time.

7/10