Velvet Glove, Iron Fist

Spain, 1493 - Europe's first smoker imprisioned by the Inquisition

England, 1604 - Massive tax rise on tobacco in a bid to discourage smoking

Canada, 1676 - Smoking is banned in the street

United States, 1899 - Anti-smoking campaigners call for the eradication of tobacco

Germany, 1944 - Smoking banned on public transport to protect workers from secondhand smoke


In this revealing and meticulously researched account of an untold story, Christopher Snowdon traces the fortunes of those who have tried to stamp out tobacco through the ages.

Velvet Glove, Iron Fist takes the reader on a journey from 15th century Cuba to 21st century California, via Revolutionary France, Victorian Britain, Prohibition Era America and Nazi Germany. Along the way, the author finds uncanny parallels between today's anti-smoking activists and those of the past.

Today, as the same tactics begin to be used against those who enjoy alcohol, chocolate, fast food, gambling and perfume, Velvet Glove, Iron Fist provides a timely reminder that once politicians start regulating private behaviour, they find it very hard to quit.