"Tobacco in History and Culture "explores how tobacco became one of the most important commodities in the history of world trade and the source of one of the biggest public health concerns in modern history. Originally used by Native Americans for medicinal, religious and social purposes, tobacco quickly became the biggest export from the American colonies. By the mid-1990s, more than 14 billion pounds of tobacco leaf were grown worldwide each year, with international treaties governing its advertising and distribution. It has affected agriculture, religion, social customs, business and trade, government policy and medicine in many countries. The unique and innovative reference work presents entries on all aspects of tobacco and from a global perspective, providing support for assignments at many levels and in a variety of fields, including history, economics, government and health.