Emperors of Dreams
Opium, ether, cocaine and cannabis were once sold openly. Mike Jay tells how the nineteenth century used them.
Mike Jay’s history of drugs in the nineteenth century, when opium, cannabis, cocaine, ether, nitrous oxide and peyote were taken up by scientists, doctors, writers and ordinary users. Many were legal and sold openly. Jay follows the experiments and enthusiasms of the period, and shows how the idea of addiction and the first drug laws took shape.
Recommended by 1 Person
Louise Foxcroft
Jay’s book is in the same area as my first book The Making of Addiction, and is a really accessible read. He does a calm run-through of luxurious drug use and orthodox drug use.
Interview · May 2012
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