Psychedelic Mandalas. A Coloring Book
Los Angeles: Saladin Productions, 1967. 1st Edition. Folio, publisher's black spiral wire binding across top edge of cardboard covers, upper cover illustrated in colors.
Stated first printing of a 1967 mandala coloring book. Popularized by Carl Jung in 20th-century America, the Hindu mandala made a resurgence within the counterculture movements of the 60s and 70s; the symbol was omnipresent in California and a recurrent device for posters and record covers. Produced by Dr. Henry Hill, the twenty-two lithographs here depict druggy mandalas, with a noticeable emphasis on vaginal and clitoral imagery, bosomy women, and pseudo-spiritual sexual iconography. Hill, who suffered PTSD in the Second World War, studied art in Los Angeles, where he became involved in Reichian therapy and L. Ron Hubbard's Dianetics teachings. A dedicated LSD user, he ran for U.S. Senate as a Republican but on a decidedly Libertarian platform, especially with regards to the legalization of drugs and sex work. Published by Saladin Productions, purveyor of psychedelic pornography and music memorabilia. Illustrated in black-and-white, with one mandala fully colored in marker by an early owner, another with some coloring, and free-style color drawing to verso of one leaf. Old pencil price to upper cover. Minor marginal staining to some leaves, light toning and edgewear to covers. Near fine. Item #5662
$200.00