In the collective American psyche, fearsomely addictive heroin & the deranged dope fiends who inject it have come to be associated with defilement, sin, disease, & a plethora of moral & physical transgressions. But this was not always the case, & this fascinating book traces heroin's history, from its discovery, through its worldwide usage & acceptance & to its eventual demonization. The scapegoating of heroin's users & their modern-day portrayal as craven, filthy, desperate drug addicts is also chronicled. Today, heroin & its devotees have become synonymous with devolution & degeneracy. How this came to be is an engrossing tale & this book provides a unique societal insight unlike anything you've ever read before.