Less than fifty thousand years ago mankind had no art, no religion, no sophisticated symbolism, no innovative thinking. Then, in a dramatic and electrifying change, described by scientists as "the greatest riddle in human history," all the skills and qualities that we value most highly in ourselves appeared already fully formed, as though bestowed on us by hidden powers. In Supernatural Graham Hancock sets out to investigate this mysterious "before-and-after moment" and to discover the truth about the influences that gave birth to the modern human mind.
His quest takes him on a detective journey from the stunningly beautiful painted caves of prehistoric France, Spain, and Italy to rock shelters in the mountains of South Africa, where he finds extraordinary Stone Age art. He uncovers clues that lead him to the depths of the Amazon rainforest to drink the powerful hallucinogen Ayahuasca with shamans, whose paintings contain images of "supernatural beings" identical to the animal-human hybrids depicted in prehistoric caves. Hallucinogens such as mescaline also produce visionary encounters with exactly the same beings. Scientists at the cutting edge of consciousness research have begun to consider the possibility that such hallucinations may be real perceptions of other "dimensions." Could the "supernaturals" first depicted in the painted caves be the ancient teachers of mankind? Could it be that human evolution is not just the "meaningless" process that Darwin identified, but something more purposive and intelligent that we have barely begun to understand?
This newly revised edition of Supernatural is now available for the first time as a paperback original.
Graham Hancock is the author of the international bestsellers The Sign and The Seal, Fingerprints of the Gods, and Heaven's Mirror. His books have sold more than five million copies.
A milestone book in understanding religion & spirituality November 23, 2008 Hancock has done it again. His research is extensive and his writing is understandable and meticulous. You could differ with some of his conclusions, but the shear amount of research makes it worth reading even if you completely disagree with him, which I don't. This does answer the question "where does religion and where does our healing come from? As a long time scientific researcher into shamanism I have to say he has convinced me.
One of Hancock's Best November 16, 2008 While he may not provide all of the answers that you might seek regarding what, exactly, the phenomenon of UFOs, alien abduction, shamanistic visions, fairies, etc. are, Hancock does do a superb job of tying them together, showing their similarities and gives thought provoking theories as to why they seem so inter-related. If you're a fan of Graham Hancock, you'll love this one. Whether you agree with his supposition or not, you must at least accept that his research has validity.
Approach this book with an open mind and without preconception. You'll find that it opens new possibilities in your world view and changes the paradigm surrounding modern science's physically-centric views. If nothing else, the book is worth reading just for that reason.
Super reading October 9, 2008 Graham Hancock is one of my favorite non-fiction writers, because he has a nose for subjects that really intrigue me. I remember his collaborations with Bauval that really angered the Egyptian authorities and spawned the science of archeo-astronomy. I also remember the work on Mars in which he described the asteroid impact that knocked off half the crust. Thought to be pretty silly at the time, this theory has recently been in the news as a working hypothesis. Maybe someday anthropologists will validate some of the ideas he's brought forth in this book. At any rate, Supernatural is a lot more fun than either Genesis or Darwin.
Supernatural September 1, 2008 The ideas and experiences noted in this book are very intriguing. If I was not familiar with the author, I would not have read beyond the first chapter, but because I have studied his other works, I studied it in it's entirety. I never thought that I could ever view conscious altering substances in quite the way that I now do. Read with an open mind or after reading his other work so that you will go into this material with respect for the author.
A bit long winded July 15, 2008 While Graham Hancock again makes a pretty good case for his controversial theories, I found this book somewhat redundant and lacking the appeal of some of his other books that I have read. While I found the illustrations from ancient writings facinating, his drug induced explanations from his "visions" became a little tedious. I thought the book could have been a lot shorter, and had a hard time staying with it after about the first 300 pages or so. Although Hancock's ideas on the origins of religion in the human animal may be interesting from the anthropological point of view, it seemed to me that he had said all he really had to say long before the book was over.
All rights reserved. Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com Information about prices, products, services and merchants is provided by third parties and is for informational purposes only. Caribbean Travel Books does not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.
