Start Your Own Religion
Millbrook, NY: Kriya Press, 1967. 1st Edition. Small quarto, publisher’s stapled stiff illustrated paper wraps.
First edition of father of the psychedelic movement Timothy Leary’s manifesto and instructional pamphlet. Published by the Kriya Press of the Sri Ram Ashrama for Leary’s League for Spiritual Discovery, this pamphlet merges mystical rhetoric with practical guidance, including the League’s bylaws, meeting records, and instructions for establishing a religion under New York State law, alongside discussions of psychedelics, meditation, and ritual as paths to personal revelation and self-directed spiritual practice. Issued during the final phase of Leary's Millbrook commune, the book captures his transition from academic researcher to countercultural icon. Illustrated with black-and-white photos of communal life and ceremonies by Danielle Padwa, Alvis Upitis, Ted Druch, David Tirrel, and Jack Leary. Sold by mail order and circulated through head shops, the pamphlet was issued in an estimated run of 500 to 1000 copies. Some wear to spine at staples, moderate soiling, creasing and edgewear to wraps. Very good. Item #13167
$300.00