Authors and Addiction

Numerous authors have been addicts. Alcoholics, speed freaks, cocaine addicts, etc. In Hunter S. Thompson's case, he'd try anything for a buzz.

Most people know this, but may be surprised at exactly which authors didn't say no to drugs.

According to Life's "Famous Literary Drunks & Addicts" (yes, that's the real title), Baudelaire once said, "Always be drunk ... Get drunk militantly. Just get drunk." Sounds like he was stoned, actually. In fact, it sounds a lot like that Bob Dylan line, "Everybody must get stoned." (Wonder if he got the idea from Baudelaire?)

And who knew Ayn Rand was a speed freak? I guess you'd have to be one, to write books as long and boring as ATLAS SHRUGGED.

Anyway, feast your eyes on the photos, quotes and trivia in this literary line-up. (via The Heavy Metal Librarian)