The Tobacco Lords

This book explores Glasgow's dominance in the tobacco trade during the eighteenth century, detailing its economic and social implications. The Tobacco Lords remains a crucial historical resource.

In the eighteenth century, Glasgow and its outports emerged as a leading force in the lucrative tobacco trade between the Americas and Europe. The Tobacco Lords delves into the factors contributing to this remarkable success amidst intense international competition. This prize-winning book, first published in 1975, provides an in-depth analysis of the merchant community that facilitated this thriving industry and explores the intricate relationship between the tobacco business and Scotland's transition to a new industrial society.

The narrative of The Tobacco Lords highlights the significant influence of Scottish traders on the plantation economy and social structures of colonial North America, particularly in regions like Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. It offers a comprehensive evaluation of how these merchants not only shaped the tobacco trade but also played a crucial role in the broader economic development of the time. The book presents a detailed historical context, illustrating the challenges and opportunities faced by these traders.

Acclaimed by reviewers and regarded as a seminal work on the subject, The Tobacco Lords remains a vital resource for understanding the complexities of the tobacco trade and its lasting impact on both Scottish society and the American colonies. Its insights continue to resonate, making it an essential read for anyone interested in economic history and the interplay between commerce and society.