The Pursuit of Oblivion - A History of Narcotics, 1500-2000 (Paperback, New Ed)

Illegal drugs are a bad thing. That is the knee-jerk reaction of the public, rightly concerned about the health and social effects of various narcotics and stimulants. But why are some drugs legal and others illegal? And how has our attitude to mind-altering substances changed over the last five centuries? In this superb, all-encompassing social history, the author chronicles the discovery and invention of drugs from laudanum, opium and Indian hemp, to cocaine, LSD and ecstasy. With copious footnotes and a wide range of sources, he presents entertaining anecdotes and sobering statistics. Who would remember now, for example, that Freud was a prime publicist for cocaine, extolling its miracle properties in weaning addicts from heroin, and praising its non-addictive properties? He takes us deep into a Victorian demi-monde where morphine-based products were regularly used to dose 'hysterical' women and squalling babies, and examines the pros and cons of worldwide legislation that has brought about a nominal prohibition of many drugs, yet resulted in addictive misery for millions. A compelling and insightful look at an age-old problem. (Kirkus UK)

The first ever comprehensive single-volume history of narcotics and illicit stimulants.

General

Imprint:	Phoenix (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	2001
Authors:	Richard Davenport-Hines
Dimensions:	198 x 129 x 31mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	466
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-7538-1371-3
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > General Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social issues > Illness & addiction: social aspects > Drug addiction & substance abuse Books > History > History of specific subjects > General Promotions
LSN:	0-7538-1371-8
Barcode:	9780753813713

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