A Short History of General Nathaniel Prentiss Banks, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

Curator: This image is part of a series of cigarette cards produced around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., titled "A Short History of General Nathaniel Prentiss Banks." These cards were inserted into cigarette packs. Editor: My goodness, look at him! He's got such an earnest, determined expression—though maybe slightly softened around the edges for promotional purposes? Those pink cheeks are…unexpected. Curator: These were, of course, a form of advertising, but they also served as a source of popular education and, frankly, propaganda. They offered condensed biographies of notable figures. Banks himself was a complicated character, a politician and Union general with a mixed record. Editor: A mixed record, eh? Seems about right, judging from this almost comical stiffness mixed with a sort of boyish vulnerability in his gaze. The little 'A Short History' bit on top seems overly optimistic given that tiny frame. It feels…disposable, in a poignant way. Curator: These cards helped construct a national identity and reinforced prevailing ideologies. The distribution through cigarette packs was deliberate, targeting a broad audience, particularly men, shaping public perception and contributing to a shared historical narrative... filtered through a pro-Union lens, naturally. Editor: Right, so puff, puff, patriarchy, puff? Though there's something so charmingly naive about them now. This almost saccharine portrait amidst a fug of smoke, little narratives literally up in flames... It almost has the effect of critiquing the whole endeavor without even trying. Curator: It certainly provides a snapshot of the cultural landscape of the late 19th century, reflecting anxieties, aspirations, and the burgeoning culture of mass media. Think of it as social commentary dressed as commercial gimmick. Editor: I'll be honest, I’m mostly struck by the sheer weirdness of turning historical figures into trading cards included in tobacco products. Banks probably would've preferred a statue, but at least more people got to "know" him this way. Thanks, cancer sticks! Curator: Indeed. A fleeting moment, preserved—a tangible artifact reminding us of how images and ideas circulate, becoming imprinted in unexpected corners of our collective memory. Editor: Well, whether for good or ill, at least this one cigarette card sparks more than just nicotine cravings. It sparks a few good questions too.