Description
Book Synopsis: “A rich, complex history…Deeply engaging and witty” (Los Angeles Times). Long before Columbus arrived in the New World, tobacco was cultivated and enjoyed by the indigenous inhabitants of the Americas, who used it for medicinal, religious, and social purposes. But when Europeans began to colonize the American continents, it became something else entirely—a cultural touchstone of pleasure and success, and a coveted commodity that would transform the world economy forever. Iain Gately’s Tobacco tells the epic story of an unusual plant and its unique relationship with the history of humanity, from its obscure ancient beginnings, through its rise to global prominence, to its current embattled state today. In a lively narrative, Gately makes the case for the tobacco trade being the driving force behind the growth of the American colonies, the foundation of Dutch trading empire, the underpinning cause of the African slave trade, and the financial basis for victory in the American Revolution. Well-researched and wide-ranging, Tobacco is a vivid and provocative look at the surprising roles this plant has played in the culture of the world.
“Ambitious…informative and perceptive… Gately is an amusing writer, which is a blessing.” —The Washington Post
“Documents the resourcefulness with which human beings of every class, religion, race, and continent have pursued the lethal leaf.” —The New York Times Book Review
Details
Embark on a fascinating journey through the captivating history of tobacco with "Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization." Uncover the rich and complex narrative of how this exotic plant seduced civilizations long before the discovery of the New World.
Discover the captivating story of how tobacco evolved from a humble plant with medicinal and religious roles in indigenous American cultures to a global symbol of pleasure and success. Explore how tobacco played a pivotal role in shaping economies, cultures, and societies throughout history.
Immerse yourself in the compelling narrative spun by Iain Gately as he brilliantly illustrates how tobacco became intertwined with the rise of the American colonies, fueled the Dutch trading empire, and even influenced the outcome of the American Revolution. Gately's research sheds light on the surprising and intertwined history of tobacco and humanity.
Be captivated by a book that explores the vast impact that tobacco has had across centuries and continents. From its obscure origins to its current controversial state, "Tobacco" offers a thought-provoking examination of the plant's enduring significance in shaping the world as we know it. Uncover the remarkable roles tobacco has played in our global culture and history.
Ready to delve into the intricate history of tobacco and its profound role in shaping civilizations throughout time? Purchase your copy of "Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization" today and embark on a journey like no other.
Discover More Best Sellers in Historical Study & Educational Resources
Shop Historical Study & Educational Resources
They Thought They Were Free: The Germans, 1933–45
Historical Study & Educational Resources - They Thought They Were Free: The Germans, 1933–45
Historical Study & Educational Resources - The Great Book of Colorado: The Crazy History of Colorado with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States)
Bowling Alone: Revised and Updated: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Historical Study & Educational Resources - Bowling Alone: Revised and Updated: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
The Complete Jack The Ripper A-Z - The Ultimate Guide to The Ripper Mystery
Historical Study & Educational Resources - The Complete Jack The Ripper A-Z - The Ultimate Guide to The Ripper Mystery
Historical Study & Educational Resources - Prehistoric Investigations: From Denisovans to Neanderthals; DNA to stable isotopes; hunter-gathers to farmers; stone knapping to metallurgy; cave art ... wolves to dogs (From the beginning)
Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World
Historical Study & Educational Resources - Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World
A House in the Mountains: The Women Who Liberated Italy from Fascism
Historical Study & Educational Resources - A House in the Mountains: The Women Who Liberated Italy from Fascism
