This volume is in the series Scribner Turning Points Library which explores “… discoveries and historical events that have changed the direction of human societies worldwide whether through sudden upheavals or gradual evolution” (Thomson Gale web site). Tobacco definitely falls into this remit as it has had an overwhelming impact on human history. This stretches back to 50,000 BCE when it is thought that humans in Australia may have begun to chew tobacco. In the early modern period it was massively influential in the economic development of many areas of the world. European governments were quick to see its economic benefits so that it was one of the most significant factors in colonial expansion.
This set looks at all aspects of tobacco through history – its effect on culture, its use in medicine, the different forms in which it is used (not just smoking), and its constant regulation as a substance. The encyclopedia also looks at the more recent history of tobacco from the mid‐twentieth century onwards when it was finally realised that it was a cause of serious illness and the premature death. Coverage is given to litigation against tobacco companies and the anti‐smoking movement. This is all very topical with the recent ban on smoking in parts of the US and Ireland and with the possibility of one in the UK in the future.
The editor describes it as a “unique resource” and “a single authoritative encyclopedia on every aspect of tobacco” (preface), and this does seem to be the case as other works on this subject are much more limited in scope. A two‐volume set running to 738 pages, it has approximately 140 A‐Z entries of between 500 and 5,000 words. Entries have cross‐references as necessary and usually a detailed bibliography. A timeline gives a useful chronology to the history of tobacco and the second volume includes a subject index. Both volumes are well presented and illustrated with 250 black and white illustrations (including photographs, maps and tables). In addition there are eight pages of colour plates bound in the centre of each volume. These mainly depict people from various parts of the world smoking in their traditional manner. There are also some fascinating reproductions of cigarette/tobacco advertisements from the nineteenth century, including a rather wonderful one of ladies taking snuff in 1824! Individual entries are quite straightforward with titles such as anti‐smoking movement, therapeutic uses and bad habits in America (a heading which stood out but was not as exciting as it first promised to be!). The close relationship between cigarette smoking and advertising is covered in entries such as sponsorship.
The preface to this set states its intended readership is secondary school students, college students, undergraduate students and the general reader. It would certainly suit all these users and, particularly with the helpful bibliographies, also serve as a basis for further research for the more advanced scholar. High school, college and university libraries would all find this a useful addition to the reference shelf. Public libraries would also find it a stimulating resource for the general reader whether browsing or looking for something more specific. $265 seems a fair price to pay for a set that does appear to stand alone in the history of tobacco scholarship.
