A Counter-Blaste to Tobacco

"A Counter-Blaste to Tobacco" by King of England James I is a condemning essay that tackles the dark side of tobacco use as it infiltrated 17th-century English society. Through a mix of personal thoughts and sharp observations, the author lays out a case against tobacco, pointing to its harmful effects on both physical health and moral character. The piece highlights how tobacco, born from what he sees as crude, uncivilized practices, has misled people into believing it has medicinal benefits. The author sees tobacco as more than just a health risk; he presents it as a symbol of societal decay, linking it to laziness, vanity, and a decline in moral standards, urging readers to rethink this habit.