EMPERORS OF DREAMS
Drugs in the Nineteenth Century

Originally published in 2000
This edition fully revised and updated with new material

for more publishing and ordering info visit the Dedalus Books page

Emperors of Dreams tells the story of how today’s illicit drugs were originally discovered, and reveals their impact on the nineteenth century’s dreams and nightmares.

“A fascinating, highly informed study of recreational drugs in the 19th century” .. Independent .. (full review here)

“Intelligent, witty, cogent and a bit pissed off, Emperors of Dreams is one of the best books on drugs I have come across, and should be mandatory reading for anyone concerned with drug legislation.” .. New Statesman

” An excellent book… it states with precision as well as poetry the nature of the drug experience.” .. Guardian..(full review here)

“An intelligent and urbane book…Jay neatly shows that drugs did not have the histories we, from our present-day perspective, might expect.” .. Times Higher Educational Supplement

“Enjoyable and provocative…essential reading for anyone interested in the history of recreational drugs”
Pharmaceutical Journal .. (full review here)

“Absorbing…anyone seeking to pass an opinion on drugs should own a copy.” .. Independent on Sunday

“I commend to Honourable Members Emperors of Dreams, an excellent book on drug use in the past century.”
Paul Flynn M.P., House of Commons

“The 19th century saw nitrous oxide, opium, cannabis, ether, cocaine and mescaline introduced to Western appetites; Jay writes about each with flair…first published in 2000, Emperors of Dreams is more mainstream than ever”
Buzz Magazine .. (full review here)

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