The Smoking Life

A thoughtful history of tobacco-- as snuff, pipe-filler, chew or smokers' wrap--- since Christopher Columbus discovered Native Americans lighting up. The lively narrative also tracks the political debates over tobacco use since Europe's first smoker, one Rodrigo de Torres (who had sailed with Columbus), was jailed for his incendiary folly. With historical and contemporary illustrations.

"Interesting and full of surprises."---Washington Post

"A cigar is just a good smoke but this book is a great read."---Jim Rogers

Readers "are sure to inhale Ilene Barth's fascinating tobacco history with great pleasure."---Nan Lyons