Smoke & Power: The History of Tobacco: From Sacred Plant to Global Commodity—The Rise, Reign, and Reckoning of the World's Most Controversial Leaf (The Real (Hi)Story: Uncensored)

Discover the epic journey of humanity’s most controversial crop. Smoke & Power: The History of Tobacco by Tudor Finneran peels back the layers of tobacco’s story—from sacred leaf to global commodity, and from colonial empires to the rise of Big Tobacco.

Step into lost rituals of Native America, uncover the birth of colonial fortunes, and witness tobacco’s explosive spread from the courts of Europe to smoking lounges worldwide. Explore the relentless marketing campaigns, societal upheavals, and political battles that propelled tobacco from revered plant to world-shaping industry.

Whether you’re fascinated by world history, social change, or the forces behind modern industry, this meticulously researched narrative offers:

Vivid accounts of tobacco’s origins and its role in empires and commerce.

Insight into plantation economies, slavery, and global trade.

In-depth analysis of tobacco marketing, advertising, health controversies, and the fight for public regulation.

Loaded with fascinating facts, rich detail, and critical perspectives, Smoke & Power connects the dots between past and present—showing how tobacco transformed cultures, shaped economies, and ignited debate for centuries.
Perfect for readers of nonfiction, history, and anyone curious about the story behind one of the world’s most powerful and conflicted industries.