105

Valentina Pavlovna Wasson (1901-1958) & Robert Gordon Wasson (1898-1986)

Mushrooms, Russia and History.

New York: Pantheon Books, 1957.
First edition, limited issue, two folio volumes; number 474 of 510 numbered copies from a total edition of 512; illustrated with 82 plates, some in color, as well as numerous in-text illustrations, complete with the folding table in a pocket at the rear of vol. II; bound in original green linen, red cloth spine labels ruled and lettered in gilt, top edges gilt, others uncut, with their original glassine jackets; housed in the publisher's gray cloth slipcase (small stain to verso of one plate; light wear and spotting to slipcase); 12 ½ x 9 ¼ in. 

This comprehensive study of mushrooms and their culinary, medicinal, homicidal, and ritual uses in Russia, Western Europe, Mesoamerica, and other societies was authored by a husband and wife duo who are best known for introducing and popularizing psychedelic mushrooms to the wider public by way of this book and the concurrent Life magazine article, "Seeking the Magic Mushroom."

  • Condition: Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

April 23, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000