Arvada, CO: Breatharianism International, 1982. Xxii, 147pp. Octavo; perfect-bound in photo-illustrated wraps. Rubbing and wear to covers; a few spots of soiling to fore-edge; very good, with strong uncreased spine.
First (and only) edition of the core text of the Breatharian dietary cult, which insists that human beings are capable of surviving on the consumption of air alone. Co-written with Nancy Foss by the movement's founder Wiley Brooks (1936–2016). Brooks claimed not to have eaten in nineteen years, but in 1983 was outed by an employee of the Breatharian Institute for his late-night junk-food runs to 7-Eleven. Deposed from his leadership role, Brooks peddled variations on his original theme for the rest of his life. The Breatharian movement, meanwhile, continued to attract followers through the leadership of personalities like Jasmuheen, and over the years has led to the deaths, mainly through dehydration, of a number of its adherents. The present volume outlines the group's basic philosophy, its theory of food-as-poison, the ill-effects of overeating on society, etc. It also includes a chapter ("The Last Diet You'll Ever Need") containing a handful of recipes recommended for transitioning into the Breatharian lifestyle. An uncommon work of pseudoscience, of which OCLC locates only five holdings.
