NY: Anchor Press / Doubleday, 1974. 1st Edition. xix, 243 p. Hardbound with Dust Jacket. The DJ has some wear about the spine ends and fore-edge corners. Cloth boards are bright. Interior pages are clean and the binding is tight. Fine/VG+.

Seller Inventory # 1562

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Ceremonial Chemistry: The Ritual Persecution of Drugs, Addicts, and Pushers
Publisher: Anchor Press
Publication Date: 1974
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0385066279
ISBN 13: 9780385066273
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: First Edition.
Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

s/t: The Ritual Persecution of Drugs, Addicts & Pushers
This is an excellent analysis of the institutionalized, state-sponsored persecution of certain rule-breaking behavior (illicit drug use) & the similarities between cultural & religious demands for specific mood-altering ceremonies & substances. One is impressed by depth of Szasz' philosophical & medical understanding of human behavior. Ceremonial Chemistry is an important book & a cornerstone in the debate on prohibiting certain foods & plants & their inevitable decriminalization.
Introduction
Pharmakos: the scapegoat
The discovery of drug addiction
The scapegoat as drug & the drug as scapegoat
Medicine: the faith of the faithless
Communions, holy & unholy
Pharmacomythology: medicine as magic
Licit & illicit healing: persecutions for witchcraft & drugcraft
Opium & Orientals: the model American scapegoats
Drugs & devils: the conversion cure of Malcolm X
Food abuse & foodaholism: from soul watching to weight watching
Pharmacracy: medicine as social control
Missionary medicine: holy wars on unholy drugs
Cures & controls: panaceas & panapathogens
Temptation & temperance: the moral perspective reconsidered
The control of conduct: authority vs autonomy
Appendix: a synoptic history of the promotion & prohibition of drugs

About the Author

Thomas Szasz (1920-2012) was professor of psychiatry emeritus at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York and adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, Washington, DC. He was a prominent figure in the anti-psychiatry movement and a critic of the moral and scientific foundation of psychiatry.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

After 15 years as a bookseller (12 years as a store manager for McIntyre & Moore) in the Boston area it is time to cull some of the titles from my library. Ilium Books offers the same level of service and attention to detail that I helped establish at McIntyre & Moore. If I have a title you are interested in know that it is accurately described and will be shipped to you with such care, arriving at your door in the same condition it left mine. Buy with confidence and happy reading.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Ilium Books
MA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days. Peter Coyle. 42 Aldrich St, Somerville, MA, 02145 USA. ili...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Orders ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	3 to 7 business days	2 to 3 business days
First item	US$ 6.00	US$ 13.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.