Modern Literature from Ken Lopez, Bookseller

This brings us to a man even mellower than a typical deadhead. No one was more a symbol of 60's drug culture, and LSD in particular, than Timothy Leary, Harvard professor cum drug guru. Turn on, tune in, drop out, and one more thing – Start Your Own Religion. That is the title of Leary's 1967 book. Leary advocates some sort of mystical, mind-bending religious experiences, achievable with a little help from your friends. I will not try to understand Leary's point any deeper than this as I lack the necessary helpers to enable me to see the light. Item 98. $1,250.

Here are two items relating to another unusual man who experienced his share of extra-legal stimulants. However, these represent a more serious endeavor. In 1970, Hunter Thompson ran for Sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado, which includes his hometown of Aspen. Item 196 is two newsletters, Newsletter #1 and Newsletter #2 of New Politics in Aspen. The first promises accountability, open meetings, and tapes of sessions that could be heard by anyone. The second promises to be a disinterested watchdog to “ride herd on public officials.” They were put out by “The Committee to Elect Hunter Thompson Sheriff.” Lopez has not been able to locate any other copies of these newsletters nor anything about this supposed committee. They may well be the only ones in existence. Thompson lost the race. $1,500.

Ken Lopez Bookseller may be reached at 413-584-4827 or klopez@well.com. Their website is www.lopezbooks.com