Human History on Drugs: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence

by Sam Kelly

A lively, hilarious, and entirely truthful look at the druggie side of history’s most famous figures, including Shakespeare, George Washington, the Beatles, and more

Did you know that Alexander the Great was a sloppy drunk and William Shakespeare was a stoner? Or how about the fact that Steve Jobs believed taking LSD helped him create the Apple computer, or that Sigmund Freud loved cocaine so much he took it all the time and prescribed it to his patients?

In Human History on Drugs, Sam Kelly introduces us to the history our teachers never told us, offering up irreverent and insightful commentary as he sheds light on some truly bizarre aspects of the historical characters we only thought we knew. With chapters spanning from Ancient Greece (“The Oracle of Delphi Was Huffing Fumes”) to modern times (“Carl Sagan Got Astronomically High”), Kelly's research covers all manner of eras, places, and, of course, drugs.

History is rife with drug use and drug users, and Human History on Drugs takes us through those highs (pun intended) and lows on a witty and entertaining ride that uncovers their mind-boggling impact on our past.

Audible Audio

Published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[Brittney Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy but enjoyable listen. I was really hoping for more of a lesser known historical focus but I still enjoyed the book. It wasn’t dense at all, sitting at almost 8 hours that’s a third of some of my favorite history books. While most of the people and stories featured are well known - and by the end heavily focused on American pop culture - the book was really well structured starting with ancient history until today.

The narrator was easy to understand and his voice was perfect for the subject matter. I’d say this is a less academic take and more of a collection of essays covering historical figures who did the thing they’re known for under the influence. There are definitely lots of personal opinions and political undertones from the author but since this isn’t supposed to be a super serious piece of work I won’t count it against the book’s rating. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn anything new but revisiting things I hadn’t heard in a while is never a bad thing, I’d give this a solid 4 ⭐️.

[Nikki Bigelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to loan this book to a friend when I was done but I have suggested it to so many people as I've been reading it and I feel selfish trying to pick who goes first. I am definitely buying a few copies as gifts. I have been rolling laughing the whole way through. This book is amazing!

[Brenda Rummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun. It reads like 49 biographical essays. So you learn more about these folks than they were just baked. A druggie book that even a Mormon can love.

[Melissa Balaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Laughed out loud. Highly recommend.

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a fun and cheeky book