The Social Life of Opium in China

More about the book

Focusing on the social and cultural implications of opium consumption in China, the book explores how the Chinese adapted a foreign recreational substance into a unique cultural practice over five centuries. It investigates the origins of opium's introduction, its spread throughout various societal sectors, and the resulting transformation in consumption patterns. Enhanced by a rich collection of illustrations, this study is essential for students and scholars in fields such as history, anthropology, sociology, and economics, as well as anyone interested in Chinese culture.