[.ca] The Last Opium Den (ISBN 158234227X)

the last word regarding opium dens:
It's always ammusing and exciting to me how Mr. Tosches can put into words thoughts about his subject matter that he so aptly describes in TLOD on pg 53 as such, "Anyway, as I said-or was it one of those other guys?-paradise has no words." If this is true then is it not silly to bend over backwards and play gymnastics of the written word in order to explain what I find to be so patently obvious, which is, simply put, The Last Opium Den is a great book, beautifully written? It's only fault may be that it is not very long, only 74 pages. The more I think about it though, the more I think that its brevity is just right considering the subject matter. Read on fellow book lovers. Read on. A must. Tosches has witten the last word regarding opium dens.

little but enjoyable kick:
an intriguing, elegantly written journey created by a highly unique mind. It could have been done as a lower-priced paper back, but no worries. This author always pleases with his work.

Nice, Quick Read:
A little pricey for a story the size of a magazine article. The book is tiny - the size of a children's novelty book. The content is excellent and rich with descriptions and history. The story is fascinating but a tad disappointing in that although he is able to smoke real opium I don't think he can claim to have visited a real opium "den." Good read for the dope fiend in your life.

Literary Electroluminescense:
I read this when it was published in Vanity Fair a few years ago. Just a few paragraphs into it I realized I was reading a writer of incredible talent and importance. I've since bought a couple of his other books which I'm looking forward to reading, but I can't imagine that they maintain the same intensity and intelligence which this work has. I hope I'm wrong as this guy delivers a high which you don't find just anywhere, and I want to experience it again. His style has a cat-like present-tense to it throughout. Edgy. Dangerous and in danger. You find yourself as curious about the author as you are about the journey he describes. I see some Hunter S. Thompson similarities, not because of the opium theme of this work, but because of the non-stop riskiness of the entire proposition. This is a new level of erudite gonzo journalism; focused, disciplined, researched, no-holds-barred. Toshes' mind is in some extreme place, at times beautiful, at times ugly, always interesting. When I read this I actually felt a sense of sadness as Tosches personifies in my view the absolutely perfect writer. If I were a writer, this is the way I would want to write. Envy reared its ugly head in my benevolent heart! I'm currently reading "Following the Equator" by Mark Twain and it is filled with charming informal anecdotes and vast discoursive rambling by that great master. I keep saying to myself that Twain would find his equal in Tosches, both being intellectual virtuosos of the highest order. They digress similarly: verbal jam sessions to the outer edge of the collective experience. Read this book if you are interested in opium, or the history thereof. More importantly, read this book if you want to read a great writer weave a spell. A writer of this magnitude doesn't come along very often, and unless you are on the prudish side you will be totally and royally blown away. If you are on the prudish side, push past it and absorb this writer who perfectly conveys in-the-moment perspective. It was a new literary experience for me and it might be for you as well.

Let the Wind Speak:
'O learn to read what Silent love hath Writ' A very profound book that clearly describes the search for the ultimate experience, the desire to live. It clearly shows how if we won't do everything in our power to save our own lives then we would be breaking the law of God. Make rules as you go...