Fierce Chemistry

‘One of the great strengths of Fierce Chemistry is the interweaving of the histories of attempts to deal with the consequences of drug use (whether through treatment or law enforcement) with the broader cultural and political histories of drugs… Overall, this does not detract from a comprehensive and hugely entertaining history of drugs, drug use and drug policy in the United Kingdom. It will take some effort to better this particular work of fierce chemistry.’ – Professor Alex Mold, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK‘Armed with a unique treasure trove of drug literature, Shapiro reveals how our drug war history is a strange brew of the arcane, the bizarre and the shocking.’ – Vice

Harry Shapiro is one of the UK’s leading experts on drugs and drug addiction, having worked in the field as a writer, journalist and researcher for over thirty-five years. He is the author of many books and articles on the subject including ‘Shooting Stars: Drugs, Hollywood and the Movies’ and ‘Waiting for the Man: The Story of Drugs and Popular Music’. As a music writer he has published several biographies, including ‘Jimi Hendrix: Electric Gypsy’, nominated for the Ralph Gleason music-book prize in the USA.