The Connoisseur's Handbook of Marijuana by William Daniel Drake Jr. (Rare Hardcover Edition), 1971 ๐๐โ๏ธ
The Connoisseur's Handbook of Marijuana by William Daniel Drake Jr. (Rare Hardcover Edition), 1971 ๐๐โ๏ธ
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1. Introduction ๐๐๐๏ธ
This is a rare and a cornerstone work of American counterculture history. The book,ย The Connoisseur's Handbook of Marijuana, is a groundbreaking guide to the cultivation, identification, and appreciation of cannabis. As a rare hardcover edition from 1971, this volume is a highly sought-after artifact for collectors of social history and pop culture memorabilia. It offers a unique window into the emerging "connoisseur" culture during the peak of the counterculture movement.
This edition is a tangible connection to a pivotal era of social and cultural transformation. The book is not merely a handbook; it is a monument to a shifting social consciousness and a record of evolving public perceptions. This volume represents a critical period in the history of cannabis literature.
2. About the Artwork/Book/Object ๐โ๏ธโจ
The Connoisseur's Handbook of Marijuana is a comprehensive guide that blends practical information with countercultural insights about cannabis. The book offers detailed information on different varieties of marijuana, various growing techniques, and methods of consumption.
It is a groundbreaking work that aimed to elevate the discourse around its use, providing a more sophisticated understanding of cannabis connoisseurship. As a product of its time, this handbook perfectly encapsulates the prevailing attitudes and knowledge surrounding marijuana during a period of notable social change. The book is an important primary source for any scholar or dedicated reader of drug history and the social movements of the 1960s and 70s.ย
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker โ๏ธ๐๏ธ
William Daniel Drake Jr. was an author and a key figure in the early days of cannabis literature. His work on this book and others established him as a leading authority on marijuana cultivation and its cultural history.
He was a pioneer in creating guides that sought to provide a level-headed and informative approach to the subject, moving beyond simple recreational use to a more nuanced appreciation. Drakeโs legacy is rooted in his contribution to the public understanding of cannabis. His book is a notable achievement that showcases his commitment to providing well-researched information at a time when such material was scarce.
He contributed to a more sophisticated understanding of the subject, and his work holds historical importance as a key document charting the evolving attitudes and information surrounding cannabis use in the United States.ย
4. Historical/Political Era Context ๐๐ฐ๏ธ๐
Published inย 1971, this book is an artifact of the Vietnam War era and the height of the counterculture movement in the United States. It was a period of immense social and political upheaval, as a generation of young people challenged the established norms and values of their parents. The bookโs publication reflects a widespread interest in alternative lifestyles, natural remedies, and a rejection of traditional authority.
The book is a "time capsule" of early 1970s American social and political thought. It captures the spirit of an era when individual freedom and personal exploration were highly valued. It serves as an important record of the transitional period between a nation divided and one striving for new forms of freedom and self-expression.
5. The Ideal Collector ๐ก๐ง๐๏ธ
This book is intended for a curator of American social history, a scholar of the counterculture movement, or a private collector of pop culture memorabilia. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's dual significance as a historical document and a personal artifact of its time.
The book is a foundational piece for an individual building a library that tells the story of how American society was transformed. It is not just for display, but for a reader who is serious about understanding the lives and creative journeys of a generation of innovators.
6. Value & Rarity ๐โจ๐๏ธ
As a rareย hardcover edition from 1971, this book represents a genuinely scarce non-replicable asset class. Most copies of this book were published as a paperback, making the hardcover a premium and highly sought-after edition. The book is a unique window into the history of cannabis literature and publishing.
This is a unique and non-replicable asset class that is unlikely to reappear on the market for years to come. This volume offers a unique opportunity to build a personal library with an item of intellectual and historical importance.
7. Condition ๐๐โจ
This volume is a handsome survivor from the early 1970s, showing honest and authentic wear consistent with its age. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight and sound binding. The covers show some expected rubbing and scuffing, particularly along the edges and on the spine. The pages have some expected toning and light discoloration throughout, a natural process for paper, which gives it authenticity.
The pages are free from any major tears or stains, and the interior text block is clean. The book is free of any detached or loose pages. There is tape on the front and back endpapers, which has been used to repair or reinforce the book's binding. The book has been well cared for over the years and remains a functional, readable object. Its preservation is a powerful indicator of the high regard in which it was held by its previous custodians.
8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) โ๏ธ๐๐ค
This book contains no known inscriptions or unique markings from a previous owner. The value is derived from its well-preserved state as an authentic piece of 20th-century American bookmaking. Its beauty lies in its original state, unmarred by the personal history of its past owners. It is a blank canvas, waiting for a new collector to add their chapter to its long and dignified life. The book is ready to be a centerpiece in a library, where its true value can be understood and appreciated.
9. Fun Facts & Unique Features ๐ค๐๐คฉ
This book was published byย Straight Arrow Books, the publishing arm of Rolling Stone magazine. This connection places the book firmly within the cultural and musical zeitgeist of the era.
This book emerged before widespread legalization efforts and provides a glimpse into a time when cannabis was a fringe interest.
The book is a evidence to the early efforts of individuals to share their knowledge for the betterment of society.
10. Supporting Information ๐ท๏ธ๐ฆ๐ฐ
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Title: The Connoisseur's Handbook of Marijuana
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Author/Maker: William Daniel Drake, Jr.
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Year: 1971
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Publisher/Foundry: Straight Arrow Books
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Place of Origin: San Francisco, CA, USA
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Format/Binding: Hardcover
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Edition: First Edition
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Rarity: Rare




































