This illustrated book traces the history of an unlikely force in the shaping of Western civilization: the use of psychedelic mushrooms; namely by a secret society called the cult of Mithras. Nero was the first emperor to be initiated by the group’s “magical dinners;†and most of his successors embraced the ritual as a source of spiritual transcendence. The cult was officially banned after the Conversion; but aspects of their rituals were assimilated or co-opted by Christianity; and the brotherhoods persist today as secret societies such as the Freemasons. This is a fascinating exploration of a powerful force kept behind the scenes for thousands of years.
#2206221 in Books Indiana Historical Society 2010-12-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 12.20 x .70 x 9.20l; .0 #File Name: 0871952696142 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. excellent art depicting the life of regiment in the civil warBy jpha01Captain Adolph Metzner of the 32nd Indiana Infantry was not only an officer but an artist as well. This book; Blood Shed in This War (edited by Michael Peake) is a pictorial record of his regiment. These drawings and water colors are superior in quality. It shows with great candor soldiers on the march; in camp; and does not shy away from the horrors of war. The picture of a dead soldier at Shiloh and the dead Confederates near a rail fence on the battlefield of Stones River (Murfreesboro) are truly haunting. Metzner does not neglect humor either; as you go through the book you see one soldier(an enlisted man)who is a favorite subject: sort of the clown of the regiment. Mr.Peake does an admirable job with his short history of the 32nd Indiana. Even if your particular interest is not this regiment; the 32nd Indiana; I think you will find this book a delight; one you will be happy to look at again and again.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Great ReadBy RobertWhile doing my genealogy I discovered this wonderful book on the 32nd Indiana Infantry Volunteers Regiment. The art work was done by one of the members of the regiment and show to members of the unit and how they lived; played and fought. The author put a great deal of work into this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Incredible view of the war!By lagoonguyHe starts with innocent drawings of camp life; but after he went through the Battle of Shiloh; his pictures changed. He painted some very brutal images of the war that he saw. This is a great book!
