This biography explores the life and work of the influential American artist Burt Shonberg, often considered the premiere psychedelic artist of the Sixties. Shonberg was among the first artists to participate in studies investigating LSD's effects on the creative process, and was himself deeply into the occult, influenced by the writings of both Aleister Crowley and Gurdjieff. He was also at one time the lover of occult artist Marjorie Cameron.
 
Kansa's book provides a fascinating window into counter-cultural life in mid-century Los Angeles, and reveals the fascinating intersections between magical inspiration, psychedelic experience and artistic production. The book is illustrated throughout with full-colour and monochrome photographs of Shonberg, his art and his friends. 
 
Oxford: Mandrake of Oxford, 2017. Softcover, 255 pages. New.