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Opium’s Orphans

The 200-Year History of the War on Drugs
By P. E. Caquet
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Check link for latest rating. ( 23 ratings, 3 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Opium’s Orphans by P. E. Caquet explores the profound impact of the opium trade on China's history and society. The book delves into the intricate connections between imperial powers and the devastating consequences of opium addiction and trade in 19th century China. Through a detailed historical analysis, it sheds light on the broader socio-political implications and the struggle for control that ensued.
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Format: Hardback
$6999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are intrigued by the cultural, social, and political implications of the opium trade in China and the subsequent historical developments. It offers a detailed exploration of the impact of opium on society and the lasting effects on international relations, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts interested in the complexities of colonial and military interactions.

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The first full account of governments' attempts to suppress drugs and drug-dealing.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Opium's Orphans is the first full history of drug prohibition and the 'war on drugs'. A no-holds-barred but balanced account, it shows that drug suppression was born of historical accident, not rational design. The war on drugs did not originate in Europe or the US, and even less with President Nixon, but in China.

Two Opium Wars followed by Western attempts to atone for them gave birth to an anti-narcotics order that has come to span the globe. But has the war on drugs succeeded?

As opioid deaths and cartel violence run rampant, contestation becomes more vocal, and marijuana is slated for legalisation, Opium's Orphans proposes that it is time to go back to the drawing board.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Opium's Orphans has been praised for being thoroughly researched, well-written, and engaging. It explores the history and challenges of the global drug control regime, tracing its origins from early Chinese opium prohibitions to current issues like the opioid epidemic and cannabis legalization. The book combines a wide range of sources and narratives, offering both an informative and entertaining account of drug prohibition's complex history and impact.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789145588

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 11 April 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 440

Collections

Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction P. E. Caquet

About the Author

P. E. Caquet is an Associate at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge. His books include The Orient, the Liberal Movement, and the Eastern Crisis of 183941 (2016) and The Bell of Treason: The 1938 Munich Agreement in Czechoslovakia (2018).

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