The Forbidden Game

To what extent does drug use and abuse reflect the society we live in? And why did humans start taking them in the first place?

In this fascinating social history of drugs, Brian Inglis traces drug use, abuse and policy throughout the ages, beginning with their role in spiritual visions and ancient rituals performed by shamans. He investigates historical and modern recreational usage of cannabis, heroin and cocaine, as well as more socially acceptable drugs like alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.

Investigating the failure of prohibition, he argues that the corrupt systems and harsh legislations have only succeeded in boosting the drug trade. By deconstructing recurring themes in drug policy, Inglis poses vital questions surrounding what it is that drives us to engage in recreational drug use and what this means in our modern world of globalisation.

Praise for The Forbidden Game:

‘Deserves to be read and discussed’ - New Statesman

‘Cogent, readable and comprehensive… I hope this intelligently written book comes out in paperback as it should be read by as many people as possible’ - Time Out

‘A calm historic survey of how drugs have been used and abused in different societies… detailed but extremely readable. He confines his attention to those drugs “which release us from normality” — a category which includes old friends like tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee; new enemies like heroin, cannabis and LSD; as well as strangers like fly agaric and ayahuasca’ - The Times

Brian Inglis (1916-1993) was an Irish journalist, historian and TV presenter. Other books by Inglis include The Opium Wars and The Story of Ireland.