This book is a culmination of a long-held interest in two distinct but not (I hope!) irreconcilable subjects – the social function of childhood and the regulation of drugs. Its genesis has been gradual, and I have a number of people I’d like to thank for their generous support over the years. Professors Daniel Monk, Toby Seddon and Ross Coomber very kindly commented on draft chapters. Daniel has been a source of support, mentoring and inspiration since my days at Birkbeck, not least when he came to the rescue during a tricky PhD examination in Vienna. I am also grateful to Mike Shiner for his consistent help, support and willingness to review various journal article drafts and proposals.