Psychedelia - an ancient culture, a modern way of life, is the first book ever to present psychedelic culture in its full complexity and range. Out of a colorful history that spans 3.500 years emerges a culture and way of life as dazzling and rich as the psychedelic experience itself. The book presents psychedelia as a living underground culture, engaged in constant dialogue with its mainstream counterpart. Psychedelia's creative, visionary presence in art, rock music and pop culture is thoroughly examined, highlighting many unique and at times unknown works and traditions, from William Blake to Philip K Dick, from Eden Ahbez to Shpongle, from Haight-Ashbury to the beaches of Goa.As shown by this book, psychedelia is a celebration of life, both in the here and now and in the deep trip realms of inner-space. The final chapters describe the challenges and rewards of the psychedelic experience, as mastered by shamans and teachers from various entheogenic cultures. Psychedelia tells the story of an unbroken, alternative culture of the West, which began with the ancient psychedelic initiations at Eleusis, and today is the secret lifestyle of millions. From the author of the groundbreaking and highly popular discopgraphy Acid Archives. Psychedelia - an ancient culture, a modern way of life is a radical, profoundly mindblowing work.