Customer Reviews

Opium (in French)

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Cocteau is a genius. In Opium, Diary of a Cure, he recounts the experience of his recovery from opium addiction in 1929. He gives an account that sometimes touches on his moment to moment experiences of drug withdrawal, sometimes remarks on his current thoughts about other people and things in his world. Since he lived in the world of avante-garde French culture, his comments include Picasso or Satie. His descriptions and criticisms include references to his own works or to the climate of the period and offer a stunning look at his own thoughts in this extraordinary moment.

This was my first experience with Jean Cocteau many years ago. It is a perfect read. This book provides you with a mix of Cocteau's personal history, philosophies, artwork, and overall poetic view of life. This is the best launching point into this well known and complex artist that everyone has heard of but far fewer have experienced.

regardless of its presentation, this is among his most amazing works. I am not familiar with this edition, so... can someone tell me if the illustrations are included during the text or do they follow the text at the end. the former is preferred. thankyou.