A startling account of the history of drug abuse, this book forces us to reconsider many of our views on a controversial issue.
Spanning five centuries and several continents in a sweeping portrait of addiction, The Pursuit of Oblivion traces the history of the use and abuse of narcotics, revealing their subtle transformation from untested medicines to sources of idle pleasure and, relatively recently, to illegal substances. Richard Davenport-Hines, an eminent, prize-winning historian, uncovers the centrality of drug abuse in our modern industrial society, from the drug habits of Charles Dickens and John F. Kennedy to today's $400 billion annual worldwide trade in illicit drugs (the same volume as the oil industry). A vivid portrayal of the people and events that have shaped the history of narcotics, The Pursuit of Oblivion reveals that, contrary to the assumption underlying current drug policies, our need to escape reality and our body's need for physical pleasure are both ineradicable aspects of our humanity, unchangeable by government initiative. 16 pages of b/w illustrations"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 4.00
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0393325458
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0393325458
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0393325458
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 1716863-n
Book Description Paperback or Softback. Condition: New. The Pursuit of Oblivion: A Global History of Narcotics 1.25. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9780393325454
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # I-9780393325454
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. In shrink wrap. Seller Inventory # 10-03164
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0393325458
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 9780393325454
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Brand New! This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 0393325458