Landscapes of the Mind

What Linneaus did for biology, LeShan does for human consciousness and behavior — provide a classification system for aspects and states of consiousness. This framework contains both the objective and subjective aspects of life and shows that they can be intelligibly connected.

No contemporary writer knows the history of consciousness studies better than Lawrence LeShan, or the problems that arise when this topic is rigorously examined. Landscapes of the Mind presents a radical taxonomy of consciousness and its "realms," a classification system that ingeniously resolves the problems and dilemmas that have frustrated other scholars. By understanding that consciousness is inevitably part of a cultural worldview, LeShan provides a theoretical model that has critical implications for psychotherapy, technology, medicine, religion, the philosophy of science, and even for politics. His application of his model to terrorism, to warfare, and to the Israel/Palestine dispute are worth the price of the book. LeShan has written prolifically for decades but Landscapes of the Mind is his wisest book. ~ Stanley Krippner, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Saybrook University Co-author: Personal Mythology; Extraordinary Dreams; Haunted by Combat

Lawrence LeShan published his first professional paper in 1942. Since then he has authored over 150 papers and 20 books, which have been translated into 19 languages. He holds a PhD in Human development from the University of Chicago, has taught at various universities and has lectured and given seminars widely in this country, Europe and elsewhere. He has worked as a research psychologist for over 60 years including six years as a psychologist in the U.S. Army.