The most distinctive of the graphic nonfiction books in the Miller Library collection is “Mycelium Wassonii” by Brian Blomerth. It is a biography of R. Gordon Wasson (1898-1986) and Valentina Pavlovna “Tina” Wasson (1901-1958). Their careers were in banking and pediatrics, respectively, however they are best known for the passionate interest in the significance of mushrooms to different cultures around the world and as pioneers in the study of ethnomycology.
The central story of the book describes the Wasson’s visits to the indigenous Mazatec people of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico to learn about their use of psilocybin mushrooms in sacred ceremonies. Despite making a promise of secrecy, Gordon later allowed the location and identity of those who invited them into their rites to be known. This led to exploitation and considerable disruption of this small community and the ostracizing of their principal contact.
I had trouble getting started with this book, especially as most of the people are drawn with animalistic facial features. However, I soon became engaged and it read much like any other biography, albeit with an unfamiliar artistic expression. Given the subject of “magic” mushrooms, it seemed very appropriate!
Excerpted from Brian Thompson’s article in the Summer 2023 issue of the Arboretum Bulletin