The Doors of Perception plus Heaven & Hell - First Editions

The Doors of Perception, plus the follow up Heaven & Hell. First UK editions, first impressions, published Chatto & Windus in 1954 and 1956. Two thought provoking essays by Huxley focusing on states of consciousness, The Doors of Perception explores the use of psychedelics, discussing his own experiments with mescaline and its effects on sensory perception, ego dissolution and greater appreciation of beauty and art. Heaven and Hell expands on these themes to include meditation, spirituality, and other methods of expanding human perception. The titles for both books were inspired by William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, the book containing the quote "If the doors of perception were cleansed, every thing will appear to man as it is, infinite." Condition The Doors of Perception - Blue cloth covers with gilt lettering to the spine, slight fading to the spine and edges, securely bound, offsetting to the free endpapers, as is usually the case with this title, previous price of 2/6 in pen to the ffep, clean pages. Unclipped dust jacket, some tiny tears and chipping at the spine ends and flap edges, a 1cm closed tear to the back panel. Very good book, good jacket. Heaven & Hell - Pink cloth covers, slight fading and slant to the spine, secure binding. Previous owners name neatly stamped in ink to the front pastedown, generally hidden by the jacket flap, half title with offsetting (as often with this title), pages a touch toned, otherwise clean pages. Unclipped dust jacket has a crease across the centre from having been folded, otherwise in lovely condition, with bright reds to the spine, a couple of tiny closed tears, very good.…