​E.R. Billings’ Tobacco: Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce offers a comprehensive exploration of the tobacco plant, tracing its journey from indigenous cultivation to a global commodity. Published in 1875, this work delves into the botanical characteristics of tobacco, emphasizing its adaptability and significance across various climates. Billings provides detailed descriptions of the plant’s morphology, growth conditions, and the diverse species cultivated worldwide, highlighting its resilience and economic importance.​

The book meticulously chronicles the historical trajectory of tobacco, from its discovery by indigenous peoples to its introduction to Europe and subsequent global dissemination. Billings examines the cultural and medicinal roles tobacco played in different societies, noting its use in religious ceremonies, as a therapeutic agent, and as a recreational substance. The narrative underscores how tobacco influenced social customs and economic practices, becoming intertwined with trade and commerce.​

In discussing the cultivation and manufacture of tobacco, Billings provides insights into agricultural practices and the evolution of tobacco processing techniques. He explores the various methods of curing and preparing tobacco for consumption, detailing the labor-intensive processes involved. The book also addresses the economic aspects of tobacco production, including its role in plantation economies and its impact on global trade networks.​

Billings concludes by examining the diverse modes of tobacco use across different cultures, from smoking pipes and cigars to chewing and snuffing. He reflects on the societal perceptions of tobacco use, noting both its widespread popularity and the emerging concerns regarding its health implications. Through this detailed account, Billings provides a nuanced understanding of tobacco’s multifaceted role in human history, offering valuable insights into its cultural, economic, and medicinal significance.