Fitz Hugh Ludlow

Fitz Hugh Ludlow, sometimes spelled Fitzhugh Ludlow, (September 11, 1836 – September 12, 1870) was an American author, journalist, and explorer known for his autobiographical book The Hasheesh Eater (1857). Ludlow's work is notable for its detailed descriptions of his experiences with the drug cannabis, making him an early figure in the literature of drug experience.

Early Life

Fitz Hugh Ludlow was born in New York City to a Presbyterian minister. He showed an early interest in literature and art, attending Union College in Schenectady, New York. It was during his college years that Ludlow first experimented with cannabis, using a tincture known as "hasheesh." This experience profoundly influenced his most famous work, The Hasheesh Eater.

Career

After graduating, Ludlow pursued a career in writing and journalism. The Hasheesh Eater was published when he was only 21 years old. The book detailed his psychedelic experiences and philosophical musings under the influence of cannabis, which was legal in the United States at the time. Following the publication, Ludlow became a part of the New York literary scene, contributing to various periodicals and engaging in the intellectual discourse of the time.

Beyond his work on drug experiences, Ludlow wrote on a variety of subjects, including travel, art, and literature. He was also involved in the early movements for drug addiction treatment and was a vocal critic of opium's widespread use.

Later Life and Death

Ludlow's health began to decline in the late 1860s, partly due to his drug use. Seeking a change of scenery for his health, he traveled to the West Coast and eventually to Europe. However, his health continued to deteriorate, and he died in Geneva, Switzerland, one day after his 34th birthday.

Legacy

Fitz Hugh Ludlow's work, particularly The Hasheesh Eater, remains a significant early account of drug experience in American literature. His vivid descriptions and philosophical insights into his experiences with cannabis have made him a cult figure among readers interested in the history of drug use and its cultural implications.

Bibliography

• The Hasheesh Eater (1857)

See Also

• Psychedelic literature
• History of cannabis
• Drug culture