Opium: A Portrait of the Heavenly Demon [Import] [Hardcover]

Barbara. Hodgson (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Souvenir Press (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0285635891
• ISBN-13: 978-0285635890
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,932,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars visually appealing, February 1, 2000

By 

Reacher (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Opium: A Portrait of the Heavenly Demon (Hardcover)

While not very wordy, the beauty of this book lies in its wonderful photographs, sketches, paintings, engravings, and other artwork featuring opium related scenes and paraphernalia. This book is also a great jumping point for more opium related reading of all types. The "Writer's Muse" chapter in particular offers a comprehensive overview of written works throughout history and the world which feature opium as their theme. All the works mentioned are neatly categorized by type in the bibliography at the end. A wonderful resource.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, but only skin deep, March 31, 2001

By 

Tanja L. Walker "Tanja L. Walker" (Norman, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opium: A Portrait of the Heavenly Demon (Hardcover)

The best reason I can think to recommend this book is that it is indeed a physically beautiful book. I loved the purple cloth-lined covers, the gorgeous illustrations, even the typeface. It had the feel of a book from 100 years ago.

Unfortunately, I found the content to be somewhat superficial, and all the sidebars got distracting after a while. I wanted more details, especially on the uses of opium by writers and other artists, and some idea whether the use of opium enhanced or inhibited creativity. The writing style itself had the feel of a term paper, albeit a term paper on a college level. I'd give the book five stars for looks, but only 2-1/2 stars for content. Since I weigh content more heavily than looks, then I have to give this one three stars.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime, January 5, 2000

By 

Paul Rothschadl - See all my reviews

This review is from: Opium: A Portrait of the Heavenly Demon (Hardcover)

My favorite book of the new year. Sublime. I was captured by the texture, photos, and wonderful quotes. Extremely well researched. Barbara Hudgson has created a small work of art...one that is effortlessly readable and educational...a rare feat. Thank you!