High Society: Mind-Altering Drugs in History and Culture

Brilliant

This book is fantastic, it really does show how drugs have been a part of human culture since time immemorial, regardless of what some people etc, would have us believe.

Very informative, with full colour illustrations and photos make it all the more exciting! Goes into a lot of detail with most drugs, in historical times.

This is a well-illustrated and entertaining overview of the developing use of mind-altering/stimulant drugs - from caffeine to heroin - in many different societies from prehistoric times to the present day. The writer's conclusion is that the use of such substances is almost universal and meets some fundamental human need. An excellent basis/background for more detailed study of the sociology, psychology and chemistry of drug use.

Great book

A thoroughly researched, lusciously presented and well-paced book that not only gives you a fascinating history of drug use throughout society but it actually (to my great surprise) does so in a way that never feels dry or dull. As a former student of history I went into this prepared to wade through a series of accurate but probably stiff accounts and accompanying footnotes but was delighted to discover that I had a good time reading it and didn't want to put it down. Fascinating stories and overall a great book that successfully manages to walk that fine line of being comprehensive, credible and also entertaining. Highly recommended.

This is an enjoyable book, well presented with good paper quality and a picture every other page. Whilst I didn't learn anything new from it - I have read extensively on the topic and find the work of David Nutt and Mike Power, to name but two, to be far more informative - I did enjoy the reading experience.This book is good for a first delve into the area, but hardly brings anything new to the table.

A broad overview, I was expecting more detail. An interesting introduction to a variety of drug topics. And a reading list for further reading.

I would warmly recommend this book to all those guys who earn their money in the drug business like drug-dealers, knockos, social workers and drug-councellers. It takes you just a couple of days to read from cover to cover. The golden threat which begins with the title runs through the whole book. Jay is reflecting the official zeitgeist without solely repeating it more or less. A well written page-turner with nice pictures which gives an elaborated and intriguing cultural inside in the world of mind altering drugs.

Das Buch lässt sich einfach lesen. Der Autor geht nicht streng chronologisch vor, sondern behandelt mehr einzelne Themen, für eine wissenschaftliche Auseinandersetzung daher etwas umständig. Zum privaten Lesen jedoch auf jeden Fall sehr itneressant. Mich persönlich interessieren psychedelische Substanzen am meisten, die kommen im Buch jedoch viel zu knapp.Die Illustrationen sind von hoher qualität, so wie auch die Seiten selbst.Drogen werden weder verherrlicht noch negativ dargestellt. Es geht lediglich um den Umgang und die Wahrnemung von bestimmten Drogen im Laufe der Menschheitsgeschichte. So lässt sich das Werk ohne Kopfschütteln lesen. Es wird sich auch nicht nur auf die westliche Welt beschränkt, sondern zeigt auch den Drogenkonsum in allen Teilen der Welt, v.a. Lateinamerika (sehr spannend).Sehr schönes Buch, für jeden, der etwas über das Thema in Erfahrung bringen möchte.