ANSLINGER, Harry J. and William F. Tompkins. The Traffic in Narcotics.

(New York, NY): Funk and Wangalls, 1953.  First edition.  Octavo.  354 pages.  Anslinger the first federal Commissioner of Narcotics in 1930, sought to repudiate the belief that drug addiction was a disease. In this volume he advocates such measures as high fines and severe mandatory prison sentences for first offenders.  Initiating many policies that remain in force today he dramatically increased the intolerance of narcotics, narcotic sellers and addicts.  By using the mass media as his forum (receiving much support from yellow journalism publisher William Randolph Hearst), Anslinger propelled the anti-marijuana sentiment from state level to a national movement. He used what he called his “Gore Files” – a collection of quotes from police reports – to graphically depict offenses caused by drug users.  This is a good copy in jacket.  Jacket worn and rubbed with some tape repairs.  This copy inscribed by Anslinger to Sir Harry Greenfield, the long-serving President of the International Narcotics Control Board.  A nice association copy of this important anti-drug work.