Overview
An illuminating and wide-ranging edited collection on the life and career of John C. Lilly across disciplines, from animal studies to the history of architecture.
John C. Lilly (1915–2001) was a neurophysiologist who had one of the most unusual careers in twentieth-century science: he theorized extra-terrestrial language and intelligence, wrote quasi-philosophical treatises about computer science and consciousness, self-experimented with LSD and ketamine, and developed the first sensory deprivation tank (which he later used for scientific tripping). Most famously, he worked with dolphins, trying to understand their forms of communication and to teach them to speak English, later aiming to mediate human and dolphin communication via computers.
Submersion, edited by Hannah Zeavin and Jeffrey Mathias, brings together scholars from a wide variety of disciplines—from animal studies to the history of the human sciences, from the history of architecture to feminist science and technology studies—to reevaluate Lilly’s life and career within his own moment and from our vantage point in ours. Ever relevant, Lilly’s work illuminates twentieth-century cultural and scientific phenomena ranging from cybernetics to the human potential movement. And his mid-century prominence as a neurophysiologist further makes him crucial to, albeit understudied within, the history of Cold War science and technology.
John C. Lilly (1915–2001) was a neurophysiologist who had one of the most unusual careers in twentieth-century science: he theorized extra-terrestrial language and intelligence, wrote quasi-philosophical treatises about computer science and consciousness, self-experimented with LSD and ketamine, and developed the first sensory deprivation tank (which he later used for scientific tripping). Most famously, he worked with dolphins, trying to understand their forms of communication and to teach them to speak English, later aiming to mediate human and dolphin communication via computers.
Submersion, edited by Hannah Zeavin and Jeffrey Mathias, brings together scholars from a wide variety of disciplines—from animal studies to the history of the human sciences, from the history of architecture to feminist science and technology studies—to reevaluate Lilly’s life and career within his own moment and from our vantage point in ours. Ever relevant, Lilly’s work illuminates twentieth-century cultural and scientific phenomena ranging from cybernetics to the human potential movement. And his mid-century prominence as a neurophysiologist further makes him crucial to, albeit understudied within, the history of Cold War science and technology.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Submersion (Reconsidering John C. Lilly), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Submersion (Reconsidering John C. Lilly).