Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Tricia Starks, "Smoking Under the Tsars: A History of Tobacco in Imperial Russia" (Cornell UP, 2018)
Tricia Starks, "Smoking Under the Tsars: A History of Tobacco in Imperial Russia" (Cornell UP, 2018)
Tricia Starks, "Smoking Under the Tsars: A History of Tobacco in Imperial Russia" (Cornell UP, 2018)
Sunday 3rd August 2025
Explore Russia's tobacco history with Tricia Starks, revealing its cultural, political, and gender impacts in Imperial times. A fascinating academic discussion.
60 minutes
informative
challenging
historical intrigue
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Get the buttons here!Smoking Under the Tsars: Tobacco in Imperial Russia
Episode Overview
- Russia's transformation into a smoking nation.
- Role of women in the tobacco industry.
- Soviet anti-smoking initiatives.
- Tobacco's cultural implications in Russia.
- Impact of tobacco on Russian public health.
I was just shocked at how those cigarettes went. By 90, we're talking about 60% of males and about 10 to 15% of females were smoking.
In the latest episode of New Books in Russian and Eurasian Studies, host Kimberly St. Julian Varnant engages with Dr. Tricia Starks to delve into the fascinating history of tobacco in Imperial Russia. Tricia Starks, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Arkansas, brings her expertise to uncover how tobacco became a central aspect of Russian life.
Starks' research traces the origins of Russia's tobacco culture, revealing that by the late 19th century, smoking was a common habit among males, with significant female participation as well. The ubiquity of makhorka and papirosy cigarettes shaped social interactions and became potent symbols within Russian society. Starks explores the roles of women in the tobacco industry, highlighting figures like Shapochnikova, who rose to prominence by leading tobacco trusts.
The discussion transitions to the early 20th century when Soviet leaders Lenin and Simashko attempted to curb tobacco consumption. Despite their efforts, including rationing and cessation clinics, the anti-tobacco campaigns faced formidable challenges. The episode examines these initiatives and their limited success amidst the backdrop of revolutionary change. Starks' work underscores the cultural and political dimensions of tobacco in Russia, drawing connections to broader themes of gender and empire.
Her insights offer a nuanced understanding of how tobacco influenced Russian identity and public health policies. Listeners are left anticipating Starks' forthcoming book, "Cigarettes and Soviets," which promises to further explore the evolution of Soviet tobacco culture post-1920. This episode is a compelling exploration of tobacco's historical impact, showcasing Starks' meticulous research and engaging storytelling.