A Counter-Blaste to Tobacco (eBook)

King of England James I (Autor)

Edmund Goldsmid (Herausgeber)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
16 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654724174-4 (EAN)

Infos

In "A Counter-Blaste to Tobacco," King James I articulates a vehement critique of tobacco use, presenting an eloquent and persuasive argument against the burgeoning popularity of smoking in early 17th-century England. This work, characterized by its rhetorical flair and polemical style, combines legalistic reasoning with a moralistic tone, reflecting the anxieties of a society grappling with new customs. Set against the backdrop of the growing tobacco trade and its cultural implications, James employs both logical argumentation and vivid imagery to denounce tobacco as a harmful and barbaric practice, suggesting it undermines the dignity of the English populace. James I, who ruled from 1603 to 1625, was a man of letters and a shrewd political figure. His deep interest in the health and moral fabric of his kingdom, combined with his fascination for the natural sciences, may have inspired this treatise. Notably, he had previously authored works on monarchy and governance, and his stance against tobacco contributes to a broader narrative of ruling authority grappling with public health and societal values in an era of exploration and cultural exchange. "A Counter-Blaste to Tobacco" is an essential read for those interested in early modern literature, public health discourse, and the socio-political dynamics of King James I's reign. This work not only provides a window into the thoughts of a monarch on a controversial substance but also invites the reader to consider the impact of tobacco on society and individual health, making it a relevant and thought-provoking text even today.

Autor

James I, born James Charles Stuart on June 19, 1566, ascended to the Scottish throne as James VI in 1567 and later united the crowns of England and Ireland with his accession as James I in 1603. Beyond his political and royal duties, James was a scholar and an author, widely recognized for his contribution to English literature and politics. Notably, James I authored 'A Counter-Blaste to Tobacco' (1604), in which he deployed a robust and emphatic rhetorical style to decry the use of tobacco. This tract exemplifies the King's engagement with contemporary issues through moral and philosophical lenses and reflects his personal aversion to the substance, which was growing in popularity at the time. His literary footprint also includes works on kingship, most importantly, 'Basilikon Doron' (1599), where he provided advice on governance to his heir. His translation initiatives culminated in the commissioning of the 'King James Bible' (1611), an endeavor that has left a lasting legacy in English-speaking Christian communities. Renowned for his complex prose, steeped in biblical and classical allusions, James I's writings provide a window into the intellectual and cultural fabric of Jacobean England.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 4.9.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Allgemeines / Lexika
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Neuzeit bis 1918
• Schlagworte: 16th Century Literature • 17th century England • 17th century polemics • anti-tobacco discourse • anti-tobacco literature • Anti-Tobacco Movement • biblical references health • Classic • classic political literature • cultural attitudes tobacco • Early modern English essays • Early Modern Society Critique • English classical texts • historical critique smoking • Historical Essay • historic public health books • Jacobean era non-fiction • James I writings • King James literary works • Literary Pamphlets • Manners and customs General • Monarch-authored books • monarchy critique • morality and consumption • persuasive prose analysis • Public health advocacy • public health argument • renaissance england • Renaissance literature • Royal Authorship • royal literature scholars • social issues monarchy • tobacco