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Review
Books such as Narby’s are at the cutting edge of contemporary thought . . . [The Cosmic Serpent] ought to be something of an intellectual cause celebre ― GUARDIAN
A thoroughly enjoyable read ―
SUNDAY TELEGRAPHHighly enjoyable, convincing and well illustrated ―
TLSA Copernican revolution for the life sciences ―
MEDICAL TRIBUNEAn intriguing detective story, wondrous visions and a wealth of fascinating information on genetic science, shamanism, etc., and he also offers some valuable thoughts on the parochial smallness of official science, but, overall, his book’s greatest value, perhaps, is as a case study in the excesses of scholarship gone astray ―
PUBLISHERS WEEKLYBook Description
A gripping investigation that opens up fresh perspectives on biology and anthropology to deliver an inspiring manifesto for unprejudiced scientific inquiry
About the Author
Jeremy Narby studied history at the University of Canterbury and received a Ph.D. in anthropology from Stanford University. For two years he lived with the Ashaninca Indians in the Peruvian Amazon, studying their methods of using the forest’s resources. He lives in switzerland with his wife and children.
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Nik Pugh –
his book is a fascinating dive into the connection between ancient knowledge and modern science. The Cosmic Serpent explores the idea that DNA and the knowledge of indigenous cultures may be more intertwined than we think. The author presents some bold ideas, blending biology, anthropology, and mythology, which can feel a bit out there at times, but it’s thought-provoking nonetheless.The writing is engaging, and it’s clear the author has done his research. However, some parts feel speculative, and it’s not always easy to separate science from the more spiritual aspects of the book. If you’re open to exploring unconventional ideas and love questioning the boundaries between science and mysticism, this book will grab your attention.Pros: Engaging and thought-provoking Combines science with mythology and anthropology Unique perspective on ancient knowledge and DNACons: Some parts feel speculative and less grounded Might not appeal to those looking for pure science
Sue B –
This book made for a fascinating and thought provoking review.The author has gone out of his way to study disciplines other than his own (Anthropology) and read scientific literature in many languages in order to do the topic justice.It begins with a personal account of an experience with Shamanic medicines, and evolves into a manifesto for a more open minded approach to scientific enquiry and for the intellectual property rights of indigenous people.At one point in the middle I felt a little annoyed that he had such a bee in his bonnet about the snakes he saw in his vision, and snakes in mythology the world over being representations of DNA molecules.However, I have to commend the depth and breadth of his research, and have highlighted many fascinating facts and quotes. I even read the end notes and highlighted those. Every last word.Definitely a worthwhile read.
👌 –
Learning and interesting reading. Fundamental. Great 👍.
Joy –
Considering when it was written it was breakthrough ground and, as he mentions, a lot of this was just discounted as rubbish. I think it was written in early 1990’s…unsure, as I’ve passed book onto friend.I did personally find it a bit hard to read in that it came across as more of a research article in certain places, how it was written, it was not quiet what I was expecting for a book written for the general public rather than research institutions etc. However, don’t let that put you off.I did get feed up though having to constantly flick to the back of the book for references, ( that’s why I gave it four star, just my personal opinion) there is about 100 pages given over to that! So that’s quite a chunk for a small paperback book.It depends on how deep you want to delve into the topic, so caters for a good read or an in-depth information available at that time, hence all references…I did enjoy it, found it interesting, so would recommend.Perhaps it was mentioned in the references at back, as I said I didn’t read them all, so I might of got this wrong… but, I couldn’t help think of the Kundalini symbol often associated with the chakkras etc or reference to the serpent that tempted Eve in the garden of Eden. So my apologies if mentioned in the book. It’s orientated to the shaman practices throughout the world, the similarities or differences.It’s worth reading to find out how this topic was viewed all those years ago, it is a fascinating subject, considering what some folk think of these ideas in the current times, how things have moved on dramatically. I think the way the author was trying to find a middle ground to help the people, was commendable. Preserve and respect their ways, the healing properties etc, and not get ripped off by pharmaceutical companies. He was aware, even then, how these cultures are getting wiped out due to deforestation…
Mr. Peter Phillips –
The Cosmic Serpent is a book written by an anthropologist who sets out to aid indigneous peoples keeping rights to their land by demonstrating that their knowledge of the fauna and flora allows them to use the rainforest as a natural pharmacy, during his time with these peoples his life is re-directed by the honest spiritual accounts of the ‘ayahuasqueros’ the local shamans. Years later he cannot ignore the spiritual elements of what he learned with these people and he begins to push at the boundaries of the known sciences.The book is written in a very readable manner, and even though the author has little or no background in other sciences he has gone into great detail in his research. I think this book would be quite readable for those with no science type background right up to those with a good knowledge of biochemistry, but an open mind is needed to observe the logic Narby works with.As pointed out in some of his other reviews his logic can seem to leap a little far sometimes, e.g. a plumed snake from the Aztec mythology representing both ‘serpent’ and ‘non-serpent’. However i believe this is more to do with the detail he has gone into for when he states examples from other known myths and civilisations, books on ancient Aztec and Mayan civilisations would explain this conclusion a little more.Parts of this book read very much like Bill Brysons short history of nearly everything, and it is wonderful to read the fascinating facts of DNA and biochemistry first hand from someone who has just learned about the awe inspiring facts of our bodies and there secret codes. I think Narby gives a much needed push to some ‘accepted’ areas of science. For example, as DNA has been further understood since Crick and Howell, it has become apparent that only a small portion of it, 3%, is used to instruct how to make a human body. When i studied biology it was a source of frustration to me that the other 97% was termed ‘nonsense DNA’ and was believed to be useless. Why after however billion years of evolution our DNA would only be 3% useful is beyond Darwin, It was good to read Narby pushing this and other curious elements about things we take for granted scientifically.Sorry to waffle on so much, but I have found this book really inspiring and i feel passionately about the subjects it moves through.Good fact from the book “The average human body contains 25,000,000,000 miles of DNA” Pretty cool eh?
BretS –
Fascinating work on Anthropology and DMT
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is face-paced and well-written. If you’re interested in more than a superficial survey of the subject matter, then you’ll find that the Cosmic Serpent offers essential material on the topic. It is the story of an anthropologist who does fieldwork with some of the local tribespeople. Smartly, he did DMT (in its ayahuasca form) with them, and the books takes off from there.
Corey –
Ride the snake
Awesome super cool book. Reminds me a little of the immortality key.
Angelo Giammarresi –
A great introductory book to Ayahuasca and spiritual visions
I liked the simplicity how the author show his experiences mixed with scientific data. I have learnt many new tips for researching about my jungle’s themes. The author shows new ways to approach indigenous thinking and I appreciated very much how he succeeded to stay above the events that took place during his Ayahuasca experience and beyond.I suggest to read this book first, if do you like to enter the indigenous thinking either for studies or for curiosity.
Inam –
Loved it
Great read
CTHULHU –
Mind boggling and beautiful research
I devoured this book (and I usually take time with non fiction as I am more of a fiction reader). This is a thoroughly remarkable book, with such depth, such respect and wisdom transpiring in this account and personal experience of learning how to think differently : rather than dismiss one belief for the other… Learn to see both at the same time and see that they match and align in form and content. See what “holistic” might mean. Merci Mr. (Dr?) Narby pour votre travail et votre cœur. Votre compassion et votre attitude m’inspirent à suivre votre exemple pour protéger cette incroyable source de connaissance (et mystères).