The social life of opium in China

Bibliographic Data

ID6556055
AuthorsZheng Yangwen (0000-0002-1195-6150), Yangwen Zheng
Year2005
Pages241
Publication date2005-01-01
Open AccessNo
TypeBOOK
VenueThe social life of opium in China (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherCambridge University Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1017/cbo9780511819575
ISBN9780511819575
Open LibraryOL3309041M
LanguageEN
Citations received38
References cited26

"In a broad-ranging narrative, Zheng Yangwen's book explores the history of opium consumption in China from 1483 to the late twentieth century. The story begins in the mid-Ming dynasty, when opium was sent as a gift by vassal states and used as an aphrodisiac in court. Over time, the Chinese people from different classes and regions began to use it for recreational purposes, so beginning a complex culture of opium consumption. The book traces this transformation over a period of 500 years, asking who introduced opium to China, how it spread through all sections of society, embraced by rich and poor alike as a culture and an institution. The book, which is accompanied by a fascinating collection of illustrations, offers a vivid and alternative perspective on life in China, which will be embraced by students of history, anthropology and sociology, and all those with an interest in China."--Jacket

China · 18th century · 19th century · 20th century · china · History · Opioid-Related Disorders · Opiomanie · Opium · Opium abuse · Opium habit · Social aspects · Social problems