ABSTRACT

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.

chapter |1 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|14 pages

WHAT IS TOBACCO?

The botany, chemistry and economics of a strange plant

part |1 pages

Part I

chapter 2|19 pages

FOOD OF THE SPIRITS

Shamanism, healing and tobacco in Amerindian cultures

chapter 3|19 pages

WHY TOBACCO?

Europeans, forbidden fruits and the panacea gospel

part |1 pages

Part II

chapter 4|32 pages

RITUALS, FASHIONS AND A MEDICAL DISCOURSE

Tobacco consumption before the cigarette

chapter 5|39 pages

‘THE LITTLE WHITE SLAVER’

Cigarettes, health and the hard sell

part |1 pages

Part III

chapter 6|36 pages

‘WHOLLY BUILT UPON SMOKE’

The impact of colonialism before 1800

chapter 7|25 pages

‘TOBACCY’S KING DOWN HERE…’

Planter culture to 1800

part |1 pages

Part IV

chapter 8|23 pages

A POOR MAN’S CROP?

The globalization of tobacco culture since 1800

chapter 9|23 pages

‘TO LIVE BY SMOKE’

Tobacco is big business

chapter |1 pages

Conclusion

chapter 10|5 pages

TO DIE BY SMOKE

Whither tobacco?