OPIUM LES FLEURS DU MAL

by WIGAL DONALD

While the 20th century was one long war for control of the world's oil supplies, opium was a key strategic raw material during the four preceding centuries. Opium consumption dates back to Ancient Egypt. Initially a useful pharmaceutical product called laudanum; it quickly became popular in Britain. It then became the basis for trade with isolationist China as soon as the Opium Wars obtained trading rights for Western companies and the Chinese began smoking it in industrial quantities. This book offers a tastefully illustrated history of this toxic substance, its paraphernalia, and the era surrounding it.

Genres: History, Drugs

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2014

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this book 5 stars for how it looks. The pictures are just beautiful. But the text reads worse than the shadiest wikipedia page. There are random digressions about Bob Dylan or about religion that do not seem to add to the text. I would have liked more information about the images at hand rather than a poorly written history.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave excellent photos of Opium paraphernalia as well as pictures of people in the act of imbibing Opium.
Throughout, historical facts are given.
This was a surprisingly interesting read, especially given the recent events in Afghanistan, as it mentions that 75% of Opium in the world comes from there and that the country’s government will probably collapse.

[Big Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although well put together with astounding visuals and artwork, the book falls way short by means of information. A missed opportunity given Wigal’s pedigree but the history of opium is an age old tale that needs a master of prose not a historian, to truly tell its story.

[Fernanda Zavala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great compilation of opium-related images and concise information mainly relating to the opium wars.