The Elizabethan age might be better named the beginning of the smoking era

The Elizabethan age might be better named the beginning of the smoking era

The Elizabethan age, which spanned from 1558 to 1603, is often referred to as the golden age of English history. It was a time of great cultural and artistic flourishing, with playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe producing some of the most enduring works of English literature. However, one aspect of Elizabethan society that is often overlooked is the widespread popularity of smoking.

Smoking tobacco was introduced to England in the late 16th century, and quickly became a popular pastime among the upper classes. It was seen as a symbol of wealth and sophistication, and many Elizabethan gentlemen would gather in private clubs to smoke and socialize. In fact, smoking became so prevalent during this time that some historians have suggested that the Elizabethan age might be better named the beginning of the smoking era.

One famous Elizabethan figure who was known for his love of smoking was the playwright and novelist J.M. Barrie. Barrie, best known for creating the character of Peter Pan, was a prolific smoker who was rarely seen without a pipe in hand. He was known to spend hours in his study, puffing away on his pipe as he worked on his plays and novels.

Barrie's love of smoking is evident in his writing, with many of his characters portrayed as smokers. In his play "The Admirable Crichton," for example, the character of Lord Loam is described as a habitual smoker who is rarely seen without a cigar in hand. Barrie's portrayal of smoking in his works reflects the widespread acceptance of the practice during the Elizabethan age.

Overall, the Elizabethan age was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement, but it was also a time when smoking became a popular pastime among the upper classes. J.M. Barrie's love of smoking is just one example of how prevalent the practice was during this time, and it serves as a reminder that the Elizabethan age might be better named the beginning of the smoking era.