Opium: The Flowers of Evil

by Donald Wigal

Opium, once used for ritual purposes, is a substance which dulls pain and offers access to an artificial world, and has long been idealized by artists and markets. Baudelaire, Picasso, and Dickens were all inspired to create by the blue clouds of smoke. Known as either a sacred drug or the worst of poisons, opium rapidly became popular in Great Britain and a source of commerce with Imperial China. This illustrated work presents the history and quasi-religious rites of opium's use.

Genres: History, Drugs

255 pages, Paperback

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.