THE MIGHTY LEAF

Condensed from a four volume research project- Tobacco. Its History, this is a pleasantly informative story of the leaf- from its cultivation to its consumption and the millions spent in its promotion. Brooks has a happy faculty for illustrative anecdote, as well as an ability to catch the profile of each age which has either been violently opposed to the use of tobacco- or addicted. Interesting facts emerge- for tobacco was the miracle drug of the 17th century- an unguent, gargle, antiseptic and emetic, while today it is the basis of a great industrial empire.... A specialty, but there is more than a little general interest in the presentation.