Maroukis (History at Capital U. in Columbus, Ohio) presents this history of the Native American Church (NAC) and its controversial use of the hallucinogenic cactus peyote. Native Americans have been using peyote as an aid in religious ceremonies for centuries, but it wasn't until the federal government's prohibition of the cactus that the NAC was formed. This book follows the history and traditions associated with Native American peyote use as well as the legal struggles endured by the people of this ancient culture as they fight to maintain their First Amendment rights. This book is of interest to those studying Native American history, Law, and Anthropology. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)