Altering Consciousness, Multidisciplinary Perspectives, 2 Volumes

In summary, Altering Consciousness: Multidisciplinary Perspectives edited by Cardeña and Winkelman provides an invaluable resource for the professional engaged in research, teaching, or clinical work on consciousness, altered states, hypnosis, dreams, shamanic healing, and a variety of other areas. The work is definitive, setting a new standard for research by clarifying concepts and paradigms; comprehensive, touching on research across the broad spectrum of the humanities, the arts, and the sciences; and relevant, guiding the reader to the scientific and existential importance of current research on consciousness. I recommend this book as a must read for the professional, a must buy for the library, and a must read for the graduate student. My compliments to Cardeña and Winkelman for assembling this vast crew and bringing the book to press. –PsycCRITIQUES

Each essay includes excellent references; the set as a whole has an outstanding bibliography that covers the vast array of topics related to ASC. Skeptics are likely to be dismissive of this endeavor, but ASC research remains important, and a scholarly treatment is welcome. Summing up: Recommended. –Choice

Michael Winkelman, MPH, PhD, retired from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, in 2009 and currently lives in the central highlands of Brazil where he is developing permaculture-based intentional communities.