high times encyclopedia of recreational drugs - Farrar Straus & Giroux; 2nd edition (April 1982)

these are peoples comments from amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the BEST book I've ever seen on this subject!, November 23, 2003
By Shelly K. (Northwood, OH USA) - See all my reviews
I was "caught" as an abuser of marijuana in 1979 while serving in the U.S. Army. I was sent through a "rehabilitaion program" at the time. I brought in and showed this book to my councellor, (a Mrs. High....believe it or not!)....and she had the Army purchase 25 copies from "High Times"! The original purchase price in 1978 was $25.00.....I have seen it go as high as $600.00 in rare book stores! Definately a wonderful resource book, and a great investment! I loved it then, and it still hasn't become outdated.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Guide for Cannabis Connoisseurs, July 3, 2000
By J. Brillantes (Toronto, CANADA) - See all my reviews
I owned a copy of this encyclopedia dating back in the late'70's. A long lost friend of mine borrowed the book and neverreturned it. The book must be really that good. The friend did not return it. It had educated me about the subjects of recreational drugs and its uses and abuses. I missed that book. Now, I would have to buy a used copy from Amazon.com. Apropos, this is not a sale pitch for Mr. Besos. Thank you very much for letting me voice out my little opinion of this educational tool. Thanks again.

As the cover states - it is "the most exhaustive book ever published on drugs." Covering everything from the early history of narcotics, through the drug influenced underground comics of the 60s, from drug use as aphrodisiacs to its effect on music and art.

Clocking in at over 400 pages, with a small but readable print, 2 columns per page, this is a fascinating book. I defy anyone with a vague interest in this subject to pick it up, turn to virtually any page and learn something new and then become enbgrossed.

As the back cover asks - did you know Pope Leo XIII took frequent doses of Vin Mariani, or wine of Coca as it is also known; other imbibers being the authors Jules Verne and Zola, and, get this, Thomas Edison!? ...