opium

A very interesting book out:
Milk of Paradise by Lucy Inglis
Milk of Paradise by Lucy Inglis - review: an addictive account of a drug as old as history | London Evening Standard

Listen to the story on BBC Radio:

Milk of Paradise Episode 1 of 5

Derived from the juice of the poppy, it relieves our pain and cures our insomnia. It may even inspire great art. It also causes addiction, misery and death. Historian Lucy Inglis' new book explores man's long and complex relationship with opium.

"In mankind's search for temporary oblivion," writes Inglis, "opiates possess a special allure. Since Neolithic times, opium has made life seem, if not perfect, then tolerable for millions. However unlikely it seems at this moment, many of us will end our lives dependent on it."

A turning point in the history of opium was the invention in 17th Century England of a new form of the drug. Two key figures in this development were Christopher Wren - not just an architect, but an anatomist as well - and the physician Thomas Sydenham, who mixed opium with saffron, cloves, cinnamon and sherry to create laudanum. It was easy to swallow, easy on the stomach, and easy to dispense over the counter.

"A new age in drug-taking had begun..."

Milk of Paradise is written by Lucy Inglis and abridged by Anna Magnusson.

The reader is Anita Vettesse.

The producer is David Jackson Young.

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Milk of Paradise

How about a nice cuppa?
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