Life of Alfred Tennyson, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is a promotional booklet for Duke brand cigarettes, dating back to the late 19th century. It's part of a series called "Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People," featuring Alfred Tennyson. These booklets existed within a specific cultural and economic context, designed to promote smoking by associating it with success. It’s a form of advertising that speaks volumes about the era’s values and the strategies used to shape public perception. Tennyson was the Poet Laureate, celebrated for his ability to capture British identity and sentiment, but what does it mean to use his image to sell tobacco? Tennyson, a figure of high culture and intellectualism, is here commodified. The booklet suggests that success is attainable and intertwined with something as mundane as smoking a cigarette. Think about how such images shape our understanding of fame, success, and even personal identity. It prompts us to reflect on how advertising intertwines itself with our aspirations.