'An original and thrilling investigation into psychedelics and the claims that currently surround them, achieving profound insights into their essential qualities' Mike Jay, author of Psychonauts Psychedelics have made a comeback, but the truth is they remain a mystery. In this daring, profound and wildly entertaining investigation, clinical neuropsychologist Andy Mitchell tests the claims being made for these substances by taking ten different psychedelics in ten different settings. Journeying from a neuroimaging lab in London to the Colombian Amazon via Silicon Valley and his friend's basement kitchen, his encounters with scientists and gangsters, venture capitalists and con men, psychonauts and shamans, and above all with the drugs themselves, take us beyond the hype and reveal the reality of psychedelics - that they are as enchanting but ultimately unfathomable as experience itself. 'Utterly compelling. Some books are in a category of their own and this is one them. Reading it is like having an out of body experience' Mark Miodownik, author of Stuff Matters 'An incisive, deeply personal and beautifully written account of the power, the uses and the modern misuses of psychedelics. Highly recommended' Anil Seth, author of Being You 'Wonderful . . . a journey into the nature and potential of consciousness itself' Literary Review 'Superb . . . brilliant' TLS