Explorations Number 2, June-July 1965 [Psychedelics Issue]

Berkeley, CA: Explorations Publishing Co, 1965. 8vo; saddle-stapled in printed wraps. 32pp. Light toning to wraps; mild wear to corners and spine; very good or better.

Second issue of this apparently short-lived journal exploring "frontiers of humanistic psychology, philosophy and religion." This issue dedicated to the psychedelic experience, with five well-considered pieces: interviews with early LSD pioneer Myron Stolaroff, John Aiken, founder of The Church of the Awakening, and Robert E. Mogar, a psychologist studying LSD; a report of a lecture about psychedelics and the creative process by psychologist Frank Barron; and a manifesto of sorts by Human Growth Institute Founder Paul S. Kurtz, in which he takes the pleasingly unexpected position that "swingers" who use psychedelics for "kicks" are more likely to experience beneficial revelations than those taking them with "serious purposes." An important publication from an era when psychedelics were being given serious consideration by some of the most intelligent minds in their fields.