Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Doors of Perception & Heaven and Hell

Save:
Find on Amazon

Aldous Huxley's 'The Doors of Perception & Heaven and Hell' is a collection of essays detailing his experience with hallucinogenic drugs, particularly mescalin. The book provides insights into Huxley's altered states of consciousness and his philosophical musings on perception, reality, and spirituality. Through vivid descriptions and introspective reflections, Huxley takes readers on a journey exploring the boundaries of human perception and the mysteries of existence.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is intellectual and clear, with philosophical depth and occasional humor, but can feel grandiose.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on Huxley's personal exploration of consciousness through mescaline, sharing revelations and insights.

Setting:

The setting is largely introspective, focused on Huxley's mind during his experience, influenced by the 1960s.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and concise, capturing deep insights within a short length.
It was in 1886 that the German pharmacologist, Louis Lewin, published the first systematic study of the cactus, to which his own name was subsequently given. Anhalonium Lewinii was new to science. To ...

Notes:

Aldous Huxley experienced mescaline in 1953 to expand his consciousness.
The book is named after a quote from William Blake about perception.
Huxley's experiences helped kick off the 1960s counterculture movement.
The Doors of Perception influenced the naming of the rock band The Doors.
The book was originally published in 1954 and is considered foundational in psychedelic literature.
Huxley discusses the philosophical differences between Eastern and Western perspectives.
He connected the experiences of artists and those in altered states to insights about reality.
The book highlights that evolution filters our perception of reality for survival purposes.
Huxley died on the same day as JFK, while under the influence of LSD.
Many readers find Huxley's writing to be intellectual and profound but also challenging.

From The Publisher:

Two classic complete books - "The Doors of Perception (originally published in 1954) and "Heaven and Hell (originally published in 1956) - in which Aldous Huxley, author of the bestselling "Brave New World, explores, as only he can, the mind's remote frontiers and the unmapped areas of human consciousness. These two astounding essays are among the most profound studies of the effects of mind-expanding drugs written in the twentieth century. These two books became essential for the counterculture during the 1960s and influenced a generation's perception of life.

Ratings (1)

It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (2)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (6)

About the Author:

Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) is the author of the classic novels Brave New World, Island, Eyeless in Gaza, and The Genius and the Goddess, as well as such critically acclaimed nonfiction works as The Perennial Philosophy and The Doors of Perception. Born in Surrey, England, and educated at Oxford, he died in Los Angeles, California.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.