The Pursuit of Oblivion A Global History of Narcotics [Paperback]

Spanning five centuries and several continents in a sweeping portrait of addiction,Pragmatic and persuasive, full of fascinating lore and intelligent interpretation... overwhelming evidence and penetrating analysis.Factually detailed and rich in anecdote.A good read: lively, anecdotal, and written with the reader in mind.A well-drawn, comprehensive account of a troubling subject.The best general account of the subject...thoroughly researched and expertly written.Starred Review. A sharply opinionated history of drugs...encyclopedic in scope and varied in perspective...difficult to dismiss.An impressively researched and exhaustive volume...[that] should be considered definitive.The most important study on this subject in years, perhaps ever.His book is a technical triumph: well researched, well-written, well presented. . . . Moreover, it is convincing.Highly absorbing...an extremely impressive work.America has exported bad drug policy since the Civil War, the book shows.Accomplished with authority and flair.A stern and sustained history...first-rate scholarship...a powerful indictment of mostly failed policy.An amazing, knock-your-socks-off book, argued with depth and cunning....A stunning and vital book.[A] highly literate and readable account...an author who is thoroughly conversant with the international and intercontinental aspects of drug policy.A startling account of the history of drug abuse, this book forces us to reconsider many of our views on a controversial issue.