The Opium Monopoly

A vivid investigative travelogue, this work follows a curious observer who, after a chance encounter with a passionate Indian student, sets out to uncover the hidden world of government‑run opium sales across the British Empire and beyond. The author journeys through bustling ports and colonial outposts—Singapore, Hong Kong, Calcutta, and more—examining official reports, visiting licensed opium shops, and noting the stark contrast between public anti‑drug sentiment and the realities of state‑controlled distribution.

Through meticulous statistics and first‑hand observations, the book reveals how a seemingly civilized nation built an extensive monopoly that shaped economies, morals, and daily life in far‑flung territories. Readers are drawn into the paradox of a modern empire that simultaneously championed progress while profiting from a habit‑forming commodity, prompting fresh questions about the legacy of colonial policies and the human cost hidden behind official ledgers.