Gately, Iain

Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization

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ISBN 13:: 9780802139603
author:: Gately, Iain
format:: Paperback
publisher:: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press
language:: English
Publication Year:: 2003
Pages:: 416
Genre:: History - U.S.
Condition:: New
Availability:: Item usually sent within 7 working days

£16.32

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Description

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Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization by Iain Gately The history of tobacco is a complex and fascinating story that spans centuries and continents. First cultivated by the indigenous inhabitants of the Americas, tobacco was used for medicinal, religious, and social purposes before the arrival of European colonizers. However, its significance shifted dramatically as Europeans began to colonize the Americas, transforming tobacco into a cultural touchstone of pleasure and success. Gately's narrative explores the epic story of tobacco's rise to global prominence, from its obscure ancient beginnings to its current embattled state today. He makes the case for the tobacco trade being a driving force behind the growth of the American colonies, the foundation of Dutch trading empires, and the underpinning cause of the African slave trade. This book is a vivid and provocative look into the complex history of this precious plant. Informed and erudite, Tobacco offers a unique perspective on the intricate relationships between humans, trade, and power.

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