Customer Reviews

Pioneer of Inner Space: The Life of Fitz Hugh Ludlow, Hasheesh Eater

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It is unfortunate that the recent readership for Fitz Hugh Ludlow's writing has been confined mostly to counterculture types perusing reprints of his most famous work, _The Hasheesh Eater_. Ludlow in his time was a popular writer, and he deserves a wider readership than he presently has. Donald Dulchinos's new biography will, one hopes, help him find that new audience in the years to come. To this end, one of the most valuable parts of the book is the discussion of Ludlow's short stories, and novels like _The Primpenny Family_ and _The Household Angel_. Here Dulchinos provides synopses, copiously illustrates Ludlow's ready satiric bent, and analyzes the increasing maturity of an artist who died far too young--age 36. (In passing, Dulchinos also produces a valuable introduction to the publishing of books and periodicals during the 1850s and '60s).

Dulchinos's book presents Ludlow's life in a balanced way, though he clearly likes his subject. He pulls together information that has previously existed only in unpublished letters and diaries, and makes valuable connections between Ludlow's work and his life-story. The picture that emerges is that of a brilliant and well-educated man whose inner demons often found an outlet in his fascination first with hashish and then opium. In addition, Dulchinos shows Ludlow as a caring humanitarian who first brought the opium addiction crisis among Civil War veterans to the attention of the American public, and who worked to cure many of the veterans who contacted him, sometimes to the point of supporting them out of his own not particularly deep pockets.

The book is written in a lively style and is not overly laden with details, as are some biographies which drown important events in a sea of trivial information. The book does have two problems, but these rest more with the publisher than with Dulchinos. First, it is poorly proofread; indeed, one suspects that it was never proofread. Second, it lacks an index. An index, though onerous to prepare, is an invaluable asset, especially in a book that attempts to break new ground for an unjustly neglected author.

Ludlow led an interesting life; Dulchinos has told that life well, drawing all the strands together. Anyone with an interest in nineteenth-century literature, literary life, and social conditions will find it well worth reading.

As the title of this review indicates I cannot decide how I feel about this book. It is wonderfully informative, but terribly written. The editing (if you can call it that) is atrocious, and someone needs to teach the author how to cite material - for example, you don't need to cite chapter titles, as the author does on page 81 note 2. There are several other irrelevant citations that simply didn't need to exist, but there exact location in the book escape me at present.
Also, can we please get someone how knows the proper usage of words? Although the author uses several words incorrectly (again, poor editing)the one constant blunder has to do with the word "entitled." Books are NOT "entitled"; they are "titled." Though, in the author's defense - most people make that mistake.
Finally, there is a lot of information that one could access simply by reading the original "Hasheesh Eater." The author uses way too many long and drawn out block quotes that serve absolutely no purpose whatsoever in strengthening the main narrative. Reprinting whole letters written by Ludlow is pointless if you only plan to isolate and discuss a line or two out of them.

All in all the book is informative, but the writing leaves a lot to be desired.

I found this book to be an honest and candid story about one man's struggle with addiction. The fact that his addiction occurred nealy a century ago is fascinating and compelling,given there was little or no therapy for recovery.
Actually, I have completely read the book but from the chapters I've have read so far, I am enthralled by this book. It is a good read and relevant to many issues facing drug users today.

Vondell C. Jones