The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge

Formats & Editions

'Cutting edge' - GUARDIAN

'Thoroughly enjoyable' - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

While living among Peruvian Indians, anthropologist Jeremy Narby became intrigued by their claim that their phenomenal knowledge of plants and biochemistry was communicated to them directly while under the influence of hallucinogens.

Despite his initial scepticism, Narby found himself engaged in an increasingly obsessive personal quest. The evidence he collected - on subjects as diverse as molecular biology, shamanism, neurology and ancient mythology - led inexorably to the conclusion that the Indians' claims were literally true: to a consciousness prepared with drugs, specific biochemical knowledge could indeed be directly transmitted through DNA itself.

A gripping investigation that opens fresh perspectives on biology, anthropology and the limits of rationalism, The Cosmic Serpent is new science of the most exhilarating kind.

Read More

Praise for The Cosmic Serpent

  • A thoroughly enjoyable read - Sunday TelegraphBooks such as Narby's are at the cutting edge of contemporary thought . . . [The Cosmic Serpent] ought to be something of an intellectual cause celebre - GuardianHighly enjoyable, convincing and well illustrated - Times Literary Supplement

Read More

Related books

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.