IN this extraordinary book the author has penned for the reader whose interests lead him into the curious by-paths of life a most energetic picture of HASHEESH, “the wining rival of opium as a producer of visions of paradise.”

Indeed, upon its first appearance in a limited ad privately printed edition, An Essay on Hasheesh evoked some notes of warning. “If there is any caution to go with this monograph, it should be to keep it out of the hands of the neurotics,” said one reviewer. “We hope,” wrote another commenter, “that Victor Robinson’s delightful description will not unduly popularize the use of this drug.”

These cautions were probably well heeded, for we have heard of no great spread of the Hasheesh habit. But the unstinted praise of critics throughout the English-speaking world established the fame of the Essay and created a persistent demand which is now being met by a new and unlimited edition. Dr. Robinson’s foreword will assure you that this edition is a word-for-word reproduction of the earlier private issue.

“He has taken the drug himself and given to those of his friends who were willing to taste the fabled joys of paradise and the result is one of the most delightful monographs that has ever been issued.… Whatever may be the reader's opinion as to the advisability of such experiments, there can be no doubt as to the author’s power of word-painting, his own experiences and those of his friends being related with a picturesqueness combined with a keen sense of humor that makes the book most delightful reading.”

The Prescriber, Edinburgh.

“This is one of the most delightful books we have read in some time.… The most interesting part is the carefully recorded account of the results of the experimental administration upon the author and several of his friends. The account gives one a very clear idea of why hasheesh is so universally used in the East, at least as the great assuager of grief or trouble.”

Chicago Medical Recorder.

“The essay is beautifully written. The author’s style and command of language are hardly short of wonderful.”

Old Dominion Journal of Medicine and Surgery.

“Years ago, when once suffering from insomnia, we had some cannabis indica given us by a medical friend. We did not fall asleep, but spent a most pleasing night watching the houris who reclined on masses of roses at the foot of the bed. Robinson had even more delightful experiences, and describes them with an eloquence that is indeed amazing.”

Universal Medical Record, London.

• Title page
• Review excerpts
• Foreword
• An Essay on Hasheesh
• Appendix