The Philosopher's Stone (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
The Philosopher's Stone is a horror novel authored by English writer Colin Wilson and published in 1969. The story centers on two scientists who uncover a technique to attain an elevated level of consciousness, unveiling disturbing insights into humanity's ancient origins. Similar to Wilson's 1967 work The Mind Parasites, this novel integrates elements inspired by H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos.
Publication history
The initial release occurred in the United Kingdom in 1969 through Arthur Barker Limited, followed by a paperback edition issued by Panther Books Ltd in 1974.
Reception
Clifford P. Bendau praised The Philosopher's Stone as "among Colin Wilson's finest novels," emphasizing its exploration of mankind's quest for liberation and its function as both narrative and instructional text.
Nicolas Tredell regarded it as "a more substantial and, in several respects, more fulfilling novel" compared to The Mind Parasites, although he expressed reservations about the latter section's lack of narrative cohesion during the depiction of the characters' advanced states of consciousness.