A Short History: General John C. Pemberton, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

Editor: So, this is a promotional print from 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., titled "A Short History: General John C. Pemberton." It uses colored pencils, or the illusion of them, I guess. The top half shows a solemn portrait next to some text about Honest Long Cut Tobacco and the bottom half…uh, what appears to be a pretty violent battle scene. It’s an odd mix, right? What strikes you about it? Curator: Odd indeed! Almost jarring, isn’t it? The pomposity of the General’s portrait juxtaposed with…carnage. But maybe that's the point? Think of it this way: Duke wasn’t just selling tobacco; he was selling a story, an identity. This image romanticizes the past, papering over the harsh realities of war with the promise of…*a good smoke*? Ironic, when you think about what tobacco *really* does to you! What kind of commentary could they be hinting at by linking General Pemberton, war, and tobacco in this way? Editor: I see your point...selling a romantic, masculine idea alongside the tobacco. I suppose people still do similar things in advertisements today! But still, showing death so close to Pemberton’s portrait is a bold move. I'm surprised they got away with it. Curator: "Got away with it"... a great phrase for so many historical works. Bold, perhaps. Clever, certainly. I’d wager it grabbed people’s attention, made them pause… reach for their "Honest Long Cut," maybe? Advertising, at its best– or worst–always tells us more than it intends. Editor: It definitely makes you think about the stories we tell ourselves about war, and who profits from them, even today. A simple tobacco ad opens a surprising can of worms! Thanks for your insight. Curator: The pleasure's all mine. And you're right, that can of worms is quite… pungent, isn't it? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly in the mood for... uh... research! Yes, let’s call it that!