Wizard of the Upper Amazon - 3rd Edition by F Bruce Lamb (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Wizard of the Upper Amazon provides an insightful depiction of a South American tribal society at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into the captivating world of the Huni Kui tribe and their deep-seated connection with Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic plant. With the resurging interest in Ayahuasca today, this account offers a valuable and historical perspective, unveiling its traditional uses in day-to-day tribal life.

Our narrator, Manuel Córdova-Rios, takes the reader along on his extraordinary journey from a young boy taken in by the tribe to a respected healer. His accounts illustrate a unique societal fabric where plant medicine is a teacher, telepathy a communication mode, and clairvoyance a revered skill. In comparison to the modern ceremonial use of Ayahuasca, Córdova-Rios paints an enlightening picture of how this substance is entwined with various aspects of tribal life, from hunting practices to dispute resolution.

Wizard of the Upper Amazon is a rare look into a world that remains largely unexplored and elusive. According to reader reviews, the book delivers engaging insights into tribal life and Ayahuasca's role within it. This real-life tale invites readers to immerse themselves in the tribal world's intricate dynamics and to appreciate the deep wisdom and traditional practices of the Amazonian people. A classic read for those interested in indigenous cultures, shamanism, or plant medicine, this book offers a robust exploration into a time and place far removed from our own.

Review Quotes

About the Author

F. Bruce Lamb was born in Colorado in 1913 and holds B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan. He has traveled widely, in North, South and Central America, as well as Africa and Asia, and has held many posts and consultancies in the field of forest engineering, specializing in tropical forestry. He has published two books and numerous articles in this field. Married and father of one daughter, he lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is retired Technical Director, Forest Resources for Champion International Corporation.