An exploration of the symbiotic relationships between humans, plants, and chemicals presents information about prehistoric partnerships, the roles of spices and spirits in the rise of ruling societies, as well as the politics of tobacco, tea, coffee, opium, and alcohol. Why are humans as a species so fascinated by altered states of consciousness? Can these altered states reveal something about our origins and our place in nature? In "Food of the Gods," ethnobotanist Terence McKenna's research into the ancient relationship between humans and chemicals opens a door to the divine and perhaps offers a solution to save our troubled world. McKenna provides a revisionist view of the historical role of drugs in the East and West, from ancient trade routes involving spices, sugar, and rum to marijuana, cocaine, synthetic drugs, and even television, illustrating humanity's desire for the "food of the gods" and the powerful potential to replace the abuse of illegal drugs with a shamanic understanding, an emphasis on community, reverence for nature, and heightened self-awareness.

Praise for "Food of the Gods":
"Deserves to be the modern classic on consciousness-altering drugs and hallucinogens." — The Washington Post
"Terence McKenna is the most important – and entertaining – visionary scholar in America." — Tom Robbins
"The leading voice of culture for the psychedelic experience... Those who know and appreciate the works of Joseph Campbell will surely appreciate McKenna." — L.A. Weekly
"An eloquent plea to reclaim something vital – a sense of the sacred, the transcendent, the absolute – before it’s too late." — Larry Dossey, M.D., author of "Meaning & Medicine," "Recovering the Soul," and "Space, Time & Machine.".