The Oxford Handbook of Global Drug History

The use of drugs has long fascinated writers and the public, and a growing number of academically trained historians are now approaching drugs as a wide-open topic for serious research. This Handbook of Global Drug History is the first major attempt by historians to take stock of the recent progress and directions of this field, utilizing both a global scope and long-term historical perspective. Thirty-five original essays survey what is known historically about drugs across the world, illustrating their historical interconnections. The use of drugs in human culture goes back millennia, with as many unique histories as cultures in which they were used. In the early modern world, human relationships with drugs changed, and drugs connected through transnational trade. In the nineteenth century, these diverse histories converged in defining the modern "pariah drugs" and paved the way for the dramatic twentieth-century rise of both illicit drugs and global prohibitions. Now, in the twenty-first century, we see emerging possibilities for rethinking the global social, health, and policy approaches to drug trafficking and use.

Format: Hardback
Length: 728 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Drugs, their illicit use, and their captivating allure have long held the attention of writers and the general public alike. In recent years, a growing cohort of academically trained historians has ventured into the realm of drug studies, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to explore this vast and complex topic. This Handbook of Global Drug History stands as a groundbreaking endeavor, marking the first significant attempt by historians of drugs to comprehensively assess the recent advancements and emerging trends in this field. Spanning a global perspective and drawing from a long-term historical lens, the Handbook presents thirty-five original essays that simultaneously survey the historical knowledge about drugs across continents, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. These essays not only provide a comprehensive overview of the past but also illustrate the intricate interconnectedness of drug use across different cultures.

The history of drug use in human culture spans millennia, with each culture bearing its own unique narrative. In the early modern world, human relationships with drugs underwent significant transformations, leading to the establishment of transnational trade networks that connected societies across vast distances. During the nineteenth century, these diverse histories converged to define the modern "pariah drugs," such as alcohol, opium, and indigenous hallucinogens. These substances were stigmatized and condemned, setting the stage for the dramatic rise of illicit drugs, including cannabis, heroin, and cocaine, in the twentieth century.

As we enter the twenty-first century, new possibilities for rethinking the global social, health, and policy approaches to drug trafficking and use emerge. The Handbook of Global Drug History serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the historical roots. It provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the complex dynamics of drug use, its societal impact, and the challenges and opportunities associated with addressing this global issue. By exploring the past, we can gain insights into the patterns, trends, and complexities of drug use and develop more effective strategies for promoting public health, harm reduction, and social justice in the face of the ongoing drug pandemic.

Weight: 1264g
Dimension: 256 x 184 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190842642