The Visionary State: A Journey Through California's Spiritual Landscape

This is a fabulous book, like everything Erik Davis writes. The photography just takes it to a new level. This book will be a standard reference for us in future journeys on the North American west coast. We intend to visit all the sites, or as many as we can, documented in the book.But it is much more than a travel book. Davis brings his masterful knowledge of American gnosticism and materializes it in his historical, rich narrative about the numerous temples, religions, and cults of California. I strongly recommend "Techgnosis" for a much deeper treatment of the same topic. Let's hope he keeps bringing his skill as a writer to craft more beautiful essays about the rich and fragmented American life, and the strange worlds emerging as the American imperial reign draws to a close.Davis is probably the most talented of the current psychedelic authors, and has a talent at keeping an open and critical eye on both the dark and light aspects of emerging subcultures.I love his wordcraft and eclectic reach. Every time I read one of his books, I come back with at least twenty new words and a few new concepts.

Beautifully written. Wonderfully illustrated. Full of fascinating places to visit (if you're lucky enough to live in California). Have given away several copies to family and friends, as every time I start talking about it (or every time someone opens it up) they want one of their own.

Fascinating subject, very useful from a historical and spiritual/religious perspective. I never knew how many places of spiritual and religious importance existed in California. It reflects a unique 'movement' that we still don't have a name for but is very much a part of America and more specifically California. The author writes with a witty humor and intuitive insight that I enjoyed more than the beautiful photos themselves. Important book to have.

This book was a lot more fun than I had expected - a really engaging writing style with excellent photography. I kind of fell in love with California reading it. When I'm done, I'm going to give it to my friend in San Diego who just bought a house with a bedroom he's renting out as an air bnb. I think guests will really enjoy it too!

I bought this book when I saw one at a friend's. I'm from California and was experiencing a little homesickness in Vermont. I got so much more than beautiful photos, though they are certainly wonderful. Erik Davis's writing is so strong, and the stories he tell are abundant. Davis makes the point that perhaps growing up in this environment leads to religious and spiritual views particular to it, and I have to admit that there's something to that.In all both a good read and a great series of photos of some places that I wasn't aware of, along with some old friends to me.

As a longtime student of the history of the utopian culture of California, who has pursued the original sources for 40 years now, there can't be more than a handful of books that are this valuable in that pursuit. Everything about this book is top notch, the photography, the text, and the overall book design. What a joy to read, this is a permanent treasure. It covers ground few have bothered to examine but grounds which turn out to be integral to the subject.

From the perfectly shot pictures, to the heavy spine and luxurious feel, to the extraordinarily engaging text, this is an ideal reference book, gift book, and tour de focce of the California psycho-spiritual landscape.Pairing textual descriptions with breakthaking images, the history of California's many spiritual and religoius movements comes vibrantly to life on every page.I was especially thrilled by the *feel* of this book. As soon as I held it, I knew I loved it. Big kudos to Erik Davis and his photographer for putting out such a fine volume.

Very interesting book that I will be using to travel to places across California.

great!have not read it all yet