The cigarette: a political history

The story of tobacco's fortunes seems simple: science triumphed over addiction and profit. Yet the reality is more complicated--and more political. Historically it was not just bad habits but also the state that lifted the tobacco industry. What brought about change was not medical advice but organized pressure: a movement for nonsmoker's rights.

Tobacco in industrializing America -- Tobacco's New Deal -- Cultivating the grower -- The challenge of the public interest -- Inventing the non-smoker -- From rights to cost -- Shredding a net to build a web -- Conclusion: "Weeds are hard to kill": the future of tobacco politics.