Roberts, Andy (Hollingshead, Michael)

Divine Rascal: On the Trail of LSD's Cosmic Courier, Michael Hollingshead

London, England: Strange Attractor Press, 2019. First Edition. Softcover. Historian of Britain's LSD/psychedelic culture and author of “Albion Dreaming”, “Acid Drops”, and “In Search of Smiles”, Andy Roberts is a man who has delved into the abyssopelagic depths of psychedelia since 1973 and has become a key authority on the subject. “Divine Rascal” is Roberts’ exploration into the life and times of the enigmatic, almost hallucinatory figure Michael Hollingshead (1931–1984). Hollingshead, as one comes to know him in “Divine Rascal”, is a sort of Merlin-on-acid, a psychedelic warlock who, among other things, seemed to have appeared out of thin air and turned Timothy Leary (October 22, 1920 – May 31, 1996) onto LSD in '62 and was a key figure in his time at Harvard, Millbrook, and onwards. Similarly, Hollingshead was a monolithic figure in London's early LSD scene, establishing a monumental pillar for Leary’s LSD philosophy at the World Psychedelic Centre in Chelsea. From dosing KGB spy George Blake in prison, to taking mind-altering pilgrimages with the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, to sequestering himself in Nepal, before dying mysteriously in Bolivia in 1984. Until this point, the motives of Hollingshead have been dubious at best. Secret Service agent, psychedelic trickster Prometheus, or paisley-clad charlatan, the details previously had been mired in a miasma of mystery. Roberts’ authoritative biography, however, shines a light on the almost-mythologic-saga of Hollingshead’s life and presents readers with an intimate and vivid picture of the acid guru’s perplexing story. [ISBN: 978-1907222788]. Trade-format softcover original, first edition. Book is in very fine condition with minor wear to fine edges on front and back covers, otherwise pristine. An important and detailed tome outlining the life of one of the most important figures in psychedelic culture. A work that would be a boon to any fellow traveler of the paisley road, scholar of psychedelics, or anyone interested in counter-cultural movements. “A leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, /Whatever devotee offers for me with love, /That I accept and eat with love.” (The Bhagavad – Gita, 9.26) From poem as pictured on page 302. Very Fine. [Item #5477]

Price: $20.00