The Upstart Spring

About the Book

"The first responsible account of an important, uniquely American happening – worthwhile reading for anyone who wants to piece together the social undercurrents of the '60s"
-Robert Marquand, Christian Science Monitor

"A charming, gossipy multiple biography of the curious gurus who spawned Esalen . . . a complex story, but a sequential one nonetheless, with feuds and psychic shoot-outs, games of capture the flag and smell the roses."
-Arthur Hough, San Francisco Chronicle

"Upstart Spring tells Esalen's riveting, unfinished story – even-handedly, entertainingly, with sympathy, and yet holding little back."
-David Toolan, Commonwealth

"An absolute delight: brimming with juicy gossip, and as carefully crafted as a page-turner novel. And it has substance, the gift of a therapist who also happens to be a cultural historian with a good eye for the telling meta-detail."
-Sandy McDonald, New Age Journal

"Walt Anderson has the requisite experience, humor, and affection (if not detachment, since Esalen teaches, indeed proves, that detachment is a universal impossibility) to carry off a wonderful account."
-Stewart Brand, Co-Evolution Quarterly

"A wonderful read, consistently entertaining on several levels."
-Michael Rossman, Associate for Humanistic Psychology Newsletter

"A superb wrap-up of a notable influence on our popular culture." -Rita Fink, Pacific Sun

About the Author

Walter Truett Anderson is an author of wide-ranging interests who has written on many subjects including American politics, Buddhism, globalization and postmodern philosophy. He led programs at Esalen, and has taught and lectured extensively in the US and abroad. A Ph.D. in political science and social psychology, he is currently president of the World Academy of Art and Science.