Opium

A History

By: Martin Booth

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

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.

©1996 Martin Booth (P)2019 Tantor

should be required in all history classes

The personalities of the characters in history, the scientific accuracy of the chemical and technical production, the deeply researched infiltration of the substance into all aspects of societies across the world....all of it is eye-opening and provides a new angle with which to view human history.

Content is deep and read well

This is an interesting book with insights you don’t hear anywhere else. And the performance is really engaging.

GREAT SUMMARY, WELL READ

If you have an interest in opiates, put this in your library!

Narrator was excellent.