ACID: A New Secret History of LSD

by David Black, Kenn Thomas (Foreword by)

" Acid discovers the explosion of LSD culture in the psychedelic sixties from new and controversial angles. David Black investigates the CIA's mind control trials using LSD and the people who turned LSD-tripping into a popular recreational pastime, including the entrepreneurs with links to organized crime. David Black unravels an extraordinary story of double-dealing, intrigue and betrayal as the drug's proponents became over night millionaires—and officialdom turned a blind eye."

Genres: History, Drugs, Conspiracy Theories, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

David Black is an independent scholar and journalist. His previous books are 1839: The Chartist Insurrection with co-author Chris Ford, Helen Macfarlane: A Feminist, Revolutionary Journalist and Philosopher in Mid-19th Century England, and Acid: A New Secret History of LSD.

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Cwn_annwn_13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book that concentrates on a CIA spook named Ron Starks who was the biggest LSD dealer in the world, as well as being linked to operation Gladio which resulted in the murder of Italian politician Aldo Moro. Starks actually spent time in an Italian prison on other charges but was mainly being held because of he was suspected of being involved in the whole Operation Gladio/P2 Masonic/CIA lodge false flag terrorism circus. Once the Italian authorities had no legal grounds to hold him any longer he promptly disappeared off the face of the earth after being released. Starks was also linked to various CIA false flag terrorism shenanigans in the middle east also. Although Jewish he could pass as an Arab and was an accomplished linguist that could speak multiple languages. Really this book would probably be of more interest to somebody interested in conspiracy oriented stuff and how CIA spooks operate than a person with an interest in LSD.

[Willy Boy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LSD: My Part In It's Downfall

Reiterates a lot of stuff from Acid Dreams, and sorely needed an editor/proofreader, since the text is littered with errors and repetitions, but is invaluable nonetheless.

A decently written book swirls within the turbulent grammar, etc. Succinct and to the point. The British emphasis is very useful. Much fascinating trivia, such as the LSD factory located in the vicinity of Chelsea FC's ground.

David Solomon, author of the '68 paperback 'LSD', gets short shrift.

Perhaps, very much perhaps, the most pertinent reason for adding this book to one's reference library is the information contained within concerning the shadowy figure of Ron Starks.

Strange that the reviewer above decries the discussion of Italian politics in this book - it is highly relevant, though as per my earlier caveat, some passages could do with an edit for clarity and conciseness.

Can be acquired cheaply as of this writing (April '22), and is recommended.

Drop Acid Not Bombs

[Alina Yasnaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enlightening book on the historical background of LSD in the USA and Great Britain. Definitely a lot of information, a lot of it unknown generally. Not the most thrilling reading, perhaps, but a very useful one.

[Christopher · Rating 1 out of 5]

not what I had hoped for. Starts off okay, with a good overview of the origins of LSD and then discusses the key players involved in it's mass distribution in the late 60s and early 70s. From there it goes into Italian Politics for the rest of the book. It is not a social history of LSD and does not cover any of the players beyond the early 70s.

[Lysergius · Rating 3 out of 5]

The true story of double-dealing, intrigue, and betrayal as governments and organized crime used LSD to manipulate youth cultures and radical groups..

[Kristen Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly funny.

[Sean Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for any lover of conspiracy theories and the counter culture.