Tobacco in History: The Cultures of Dependence [Paperback]

Jordan Goodman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0415116694 | ISBN-13: 978-0415116695 | Edition: Reprint

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`... 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

About the Author

Jordan Goodman is Lecturer in International Economic History at the University of Manchester Institute for Science and Technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; Reprint edition (December 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415116694
• ISBN-13: 978-0415116695
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,412,200 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Economic and cultural history, February 12, 2004

By 

Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tobacco in History: The Cultures of Dependence (Paperback)

This book is an overview of the culture and business of tobacco. After a introductory chapter that covers the botany and chemistry of tobacco, Goodman presents a cultural and economic history of the plant and its products. He begins with Native Americans, who used tobacco in ceremonies and approached it with reverence. He then details how European explorers took tobacco back to Europe, and how its use was quickly adopted there by the general public. Its adoption was hastened by medical reports claiming numerous health benefits of consuming tobacco, from preventing colds to curing bowel ailments. Goodman describes how tobacco played an important role in settling the New World and how its role in the early history of slaving cultures there. He goes on to describe the role that tobacco growing played in colonial economies and how the invention of the mass produced cigarette helped change consumption patterns worldwide. Towards the end of the book, he explores the history of government involvement in tobacco production and consumption, before turning to big business, consolidation and diversification of the tobacco industry. He closes with a short chapter on modern health concerns relating to tobacco, and how they may affect the culture of tobacco consumption and production.

The book is very academic in tone and structure- -it reads like a dissertation. Original sources are cited throughout the text, and there are numerous tables. At the end of the book is a 2-page glossary and a 40-page bibliography. Although Goodman's style is reasonably clear, he does have an annoying habit of explicitly stating his main ideas only at the very end of a section, or at the beginning of the following chapter. If he had introduced his sections with explicit statements of his ideas, the text would have been easier to follow.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Meticulousness in all aspects., January 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tobacco in History: The Cultures of Dependence (Paperback)

What is often neglected when writing about "tobacco", the book covers next to all aspects of it, i.e. from the production of the plant to processing the crop, buying, trading, cigarette manufacture, advertising, sponsorhsip and control policies. I profited a lot from the precise information on indivdual farmers (who started the commercial business in 1602 ? You'll find it here, and also why he is better known under the name of his wife), as well as on companies. etc. Fascinating for a geographer with historical interest to see the similarity of interlinkages between rise and fall of growing areas as well as farming societies - and to draw conclusions what is about to happen now in Third World growing countries. While most of the large monographies put a blind eye on the detrimental ecological consequences of growing - the author does not. Since the chapters are ranked chronologically, with a special interest for example in Africa, you sometimes get lost - and learn a lot about other areas.