THE DOORS OF PERCEPTION AND HEAVEN AND HELL  (English, Book, ALDOUS HUXLEY)

The Doors Of Perception And Heaven And Hell is a compilation of these two famous books written by Aldous Huxley.

Summary Of The Book

The Doors Of Perception And Heaven And Hell consists of two of his popular books, the first one being The Doors Of Perception and the second one, Heaven and Hell. In both of these classic books, the author explores the areas of human consciousness that have not been discussed much before these books.

Though various works have been published talking about the effects of mind-expanding drugs, this book is unique in its own way. The author explains the remote frontiers of the human mind and the unmapped zones of the human consciousness. Moreover, this latest edition comes with an additional essay included in this book with the title Drugs That Shape Men's Minds.

Published in 1954, The Doors Of Perception shares Huxley’s experiences after using mescaline. The title of the book has been taken from William Blake's very famous poem, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. The book is written as a recollection of a mescaline trip and in this recollection, the author provides insights on his experiences that range from sacramental vision to purely aesthetic. The later reflections on his experiences are also incorporated in this book and it also tries to explain the meaning of religion and art.

Huxley published his philosophical essay, Heaven And Hell, in 1956. Huxley uses the concept of Heaven and Hell in a metaphorical sense to help the reader understand two opposite mystical experiences. He explores the relationship between bright objects, psychoactive drugs, geometric designs, art, and insightful experiences. He explains that these two contrary mystical experiences await when one is ready to open the doors of perception. It is an amalgamation of essays, journals and mystical treatises.

About Aldous Huxley

Aldous Huxley was an award-winning English author who is famously known for his book Brave New World.

Huxley has also published various other books such as Antic Hay, Island, Those Barren Leaves, Eyeless In Gaza, Little Mexican, The Burning Wheel, Leda , Brief Candles, and Crome Yellow.

Born on 26th July 1894, Aldous Huxley is considered the most important member of the Huxley family. He completed his graduation from Balliol College, Oxford. His first novel was written at the age of 17, though it remained unpublished. He began serious writing with his first satirical novel, Crome Yellow. He published several stories, poetry, screenplays, travel books, dramas, essays, children’s fiction, and an abundance of other articles. Although he declared himself an agnostic, his interests in mysticism and spirituality are clearly visible in his works. He married Laura Archera, who was also an author, in 1956. He was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and died at the age of 69. He received numerous awards for his contributions and several of his works have been adapted into films.