Cocaïn: History & Culture

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About the Work

In the collective imagination, cocaine burst onto the scene in the 1970s, seemingly out of nowhere, emerging as the ultimate party drug for the disco generation. However, shortly thereafter, its detrimental effects became too glaring to overlook. Contrary to this perception, the history of cocaine addiction stretches back to the 19th century when it was legal and readily available over the counter. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, from stomachaches and cramps to teething pain in infants.

Nevertheless, for millennia prior to this, the unprocessed coca leaf played a pivotal role in the development of indigenous South American cultures. How did this sacred plant of the Incas transform into the addictive white powder that ensnared and nearly ruined prominent figures like Sigmund Freud and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, among many others? And how did it acquire the corrosive power portrayed in films and television series such as Scarface and Narcos? This book unravels that intriguing narrative.

About the author

Armand Limnander currently serves as the executive editor of W magazine. Before taking on this role, he held the position of features director at T: The New York Times Style Magazine and previously served as the editor of VMan magazine. Limnander also contributed as a senior writer to both Vogue and Style.com.

Originally hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, Limnander embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue his education at the University of California, Berkeley. His published works include "Brazilian Style" and "Private: Giancarlo Giammetti," which were released by Assouline in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

"Your brain at this moment is composed of brigades of tiny Bolivian soldiers. They are tired and muddy from their long march through the night. There are holes in their boots and they are hungry. They need to be fed. The need the Bolivian Marching Powder."

Jay McInerney, Bright Lights, Big City, 1984