Tobacco in History: The Cultures of Dependence

by Jordan Goodman

Overview

Jordan Goodman explores the historical transformation of tobacco from Amerindian shamanism to global capitalism, from the food of the spirits to the fatal epidemic, from the rough pipe and cigar to the modern-day cigarette. This scholarly and comprehensive survey combines up-to-date published work with primary research to provide a systematic way of understanding current debates from a historical perspective. Goodman draws on a wide range of disciplines to present a history that explores larger themes, such as colonialism, consumerism, medical discourse and multinational enterprise. The book reveals the complex web of dependence and relationships surrounding this controversial commodity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781134818402
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/04/2005
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	292
File size:	601 KB

About the Author

Jordan Goodman

Table of Contents

1. What is Tobacco? The Botany, Economics and Chemistry of a Strange Plant 2. Food of the Spirits: Shaminism, Healing and Tobacco in Amerindian Cultures 3. Why Tobacco? Europeans, Forbidden Fruits and the Panacea Gospel 4. Rituals, Fashions and a Medical Discourse: Tobacco Consumption Before the Cigarette 5. The Little White Slaver: Cigarettes, Health and the Hard Sell 6. Wholly Built Upon Smoke: the Impact of Colonialism 7. Tobaccy's King Down Here ... : Planter Culture to 1800 8. A Poor Man's Crop? The Globalization of Tobacco Culture Since 1800 9. To Live By Smoke: Tobacco is Big Business Conclusion 10. To Die by Smoke: Whither Tobacco?

Editorial Reviews

On tobacco use, its physiological effects and the role of the shamon in administration for medicinal and ritual purposes. Ranges over South America. Based upon fields work and use of portions of the huge (3000 item) bibliography. First published in 1993 in cloth. A scholarly survey exploring themes such as colonialism, consumerism, medical discourse, multinational enterprise, and the complex web between them and this controversial commodity. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

‘... this is an absobing, and thought-provoking account of story, as yet unfinished.' - Joan Thirk EHR

‘Especially interesting on the marketing and politics of tobacco, this is an objective work.' - New Scientist

‘ ... an ambitious and accomplished survey ... Goodman's study greatly enhances our grasp of the creation of the commodities that dominate the modern world.' - Roy Porter, Times Literary Supplement

‘Goodman has written a book that is both history and current affairs, which skilfully weaves together the planters, the slaves, and the multinational corporations.' - J.V. Beckett, Times Higher Education Supplement

‘ ... very well researched book.' - V.G. Kiernan, Social History of Medicine

‘A fascinating read for smokers and non-smokers alike.' - Sunday Times

‘An essential read for those who would understand the dilemma caused by smokking's dangers.' - British Medical Journal

‘ ... a succinct yet ambitiously comprehensive survey of five centuries of nicotine in history. It is addictive reading.' - John Adamson, Sunday Telegraph

From the Publisher