Opium

Known to mankind since prehistoric times, opium is arguably the oldest and most widely used narcotic. "Opium: A History" traces the drug's astounding impact on world culture-from its religious use by prehistoric peoples to its influence on the imaginations of the Romantic writers; from the earliest medical science to the Sino-British opium wars. And, in the present day, as the addict population rises and penetrates every walk of life, "Opium" shows how the international multibillion-dollar heroin industry operates with terrifying efficiency and forms an integral part of the world's money markets.
In this first full-length history of opium, acclaimed author Martin Booth uncovers the multifaceted nature of this remarkable narcotic and the bittersweet effects of a simple poppy with a deadly legacy.
Martin Booth is a critically acclaimed novelist and a documentary and feature film writer. His novel, " The Industry of Souls," was short-listed for the Booker Prize. His most recent nonfiction books include" The Doctor and the Detective: A Biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle" and "Opium: A History." An inveterate traveler, Martin Booth frequently broadcasts for the BBC.
Known to mankind since prehistoric times, opium is arguably the oldest and most widely used narcotic. "Opium: A History" traces the drug's astounding impact on world culture--from its religious use by prehistoric peoples to its influence on the imaginations of t he Romantic writers; from the earliest medical science to the Sino-British opium wars. And, in the present day, as the addict population rises and penetrates every walk of life, "Opium" shows how the international multibillion-dollar heroin industry operates with terrifying efficiency and forms an integral part of the world's money markets.
"A great sprawling catalogue of sheer information about opium and its effects over the last 4,000 years, during which it has always been both a blessing and a curse."--"The New York Times Book Review"
"The book's wealth of detail is remarkable."--"The Economist"
""Opium "is of great value for its thoroughness, and it is briskly written . . . Each chapter is] a ball of opium with an explosive charge."--"The Boston Globe"
"From the subtleties if Chinese history to the complexities if Golden Triangle narco-nationalism . . . Booth shows us a sure grasp of his material and manages to pull the innumerable and far-flung threads . . . neatly together."--"Kirkus Reviews "
"Booth takes us from "P. somniferum" to 'black gold, ' compellingly documenting the influential role of the opiate trade throughout history."--"Publishers Weekly"