Episode 1
Historian Lucy Inglis explores man's long and complex relationship with the juice of the opium poppy.
Derived from the juice of the poppy, it relieves our pain and cures our insomnia. It may even inspire great art. It also causes addiction, misery and death. Historian Lucy Inglis' new book explores man's long and complex relationship with opium.
"In mankind's search for temporary oblivion," writes Inglis, "opiates possess a special allure. Since Neolithic times, opium has made life seem, if not perfect, then tolerable for millions. However unlikely it seems at this moment, many of us will end our lives dependent on it."
A turning point in the history of opium was the invention in 17th Century England of a new form of the drug. Two key figures in this development were Christopher Wren - not just an architect, but an anatomist as well - and the physician Thomas Sydenham, who mixed opium with saffron, cloves, cinnamon and sherry to create laudanum. It was easy to swallow, easy on the stomach, and easy to dispense over the counter.
"A new age in drug-taking had begun..."
Milk of Paradise is written by Lucy Inglis and abridged by Anna Magnusson.
The reader is Anita Vettesse.
The producer is David Jackson Young.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Reader | Anita Vettesse |
| Author | Lucy Inglis |
| Abridger | Anna Magnusson |
| Producer | David Jackson Young |
Broadcasts
- Mon 13 Aug 2018 09:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
- Tue 14 Aug 2018 00:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.