Smoking, Culture and Economy in the Middle East: The Egyptian Tobacco Market 1850-2000 [Hardcover]

Relli Shechter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 11, 2006 | ISBN-10: 1845111370 | ISBN-13: 978-1845111373

This book demonstrates how the history of Egypt's tobacco habits from the water pipe to the Marlboro Light mirrors wider socio-economic developments. Shechter begins in the mid 19th century, when tobacco was produced for export to the West and shows how in the early 20th century the marketing and consumption of tobacco reinforced social stratification. In the contemporary Middle East, Shechter finds that smoking habits have become intertwined with generational and identity politics. Engaging with cutting-edge social theory and a diverse range of source material, this is a stimulating and informative read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Relli Shechter's Smoking, Culture and Economy in the Middle East illuminates crucial economic, political and cultural processes contributing to the growth of modern Egypt. Shechter's social life of tobacco in Egypt demonstrates both the specificity of local cultural consumption, and the complexities of Egypt's connections to international economy. Moreover the book demonstrates how colonial societies shaped their own destinies, but also how they were nonetheless caught in powerful webs of global exchange long before the term 'globalization' came into vogue. This is a highly original work of truly interdisciplinary scope.'-- Walter Armbrust, Director Middle East Centre, St. Antony's College 'This important book delivers an original insight into the social history of tobacco in Egypt and beyond, and demonstrates convincingly that the market is not merely a price-setting mechanism, but a cultural, social and political construction.'-- Dr J.T. Chalcraft, Lecturer in the History and Politics of Empire, London School of Economics 'an intriguing, challenging...and fascinating study' --Professor Amalia Levanoni, Department of Middle Eastern History, Haifa University

About the Author

Relli Shechter teaches and researches at the Department of Middle East Studies, Ben Gurion University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris (June 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845111370
• ISBN-13: 978-1845111373
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,679,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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