Charles Duits (1925-1991) was a French writer and surrealist known for his heroic fantasy saga novels Ptah Hotep and Nefer. He began his writing and philosophy work at the age of 17, after sending some of his poems to André Breton who then invited him to participate in the experiments of his surrealist group. He frequently met with Anaïs Nin, who speaks of him in her Journal. A student of Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way and Zen Buddhism, he was the author of 11 books and novels in French.
There is much to be enjoyed from Charles Duits excellent use of language in Peyote Dreams: Journeys in the Land of Illumination. His use of philosophical ideas intermingled with the peyote landscape demonstrates a deep learning on his behalf, and a lucid writing skill at communicating them. For the New Age reader the book could well provide a host of engaging spiritual ideas, and Duits distrust of the mainstream Western traditions certainly key in with modern spiritual notions about a Western society devoid of its soul. For the cultural historian, it is key pharmacographical exemplifier from the period, and it is great to have a new English language edition available. Psychedelic Press UK, October 2013 There is much to be enjoyed from Charles Duits excellent use of language in Peyote Dreams: Journeys in the Land of Illumination. His use of philosophical ideas intermingled with the peyote landscape demonstrates a deep learning on his behalf, and a lucid writing skill at communicating them. For the New Age reader the book could well provide a host of engaging spiritual ideas, and Duits's distrust of the mainstream Western traditions certainly key in with modern spiritual notions about a Western society devoid of its soul. For the cultural historian, it is key pharmacographical exemplifier from the period, and it is great to have a new English language edition available. Gaia Media, November 2013 With insightful thoughts and vivid language, Duits takes his readers along as he recounts his own experiences and, more importantly, his thoughts about them. A lively and informative read. Thomas B. Roberts, author of The Psychedelic Future of the Mind and editor of Spiritual Growth with Brilliantly and poetically written, completely engrossing, and magically able to describe the indescribable--the majesty and inner drama of the peyote journey--Duits's work is reminiscent of (but maybe even richer and more evocative than) Huxley's writings on his own mescaline journeys. Ross Heaven, author of Cactus of Mystery and Shamanic Quest for the Spirit of Salvia