The Chinese Opium-Smoker

"The Chinese Opium-Smoker" by Anonymous is a late 19th-century exposé that reveals the tragic consequences of opium addiction in China. Through vivid illustrations and compelling stories, it uncovers the downfall of individuals and families consumed by the drug. The book follows one man's descent from a position of respectability into a life of moral, physical, and economic devastation, charting the progression of his addiction, the anguish of his family, and the ultimate loss of everything he held dear. The narrative paints a grim picture of opium's widespread use across Chinese society and points a finger at Britain's role in the opium trade, arguing that it is a source of immense profit that comes at the cost of China's ruin. It stands as a cautionary tale about the destructive forces of addiction and the moral obligations of those who enable it.