The first totalsyntheses of lysergine and setoclavine are described, as well as a new and efficient synthesis of lysergic acid. The starting material for these syntheses is tryptophan, protected as its dihydro, dibenzoyl derivative. This material is dehydrated to the corresponding azlactone, which undergoes stereoselective intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation to give a tricyclic ketone intermediate