Book that helps debunk some of the myths around smoking

Six months ago I was sent a manuscript with a request for help to get it published.

It was for a book entitled Unlucky Strike: The Science, Law and Politics of Smoking.

The author, John Staddon, is professor emeritus, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, at Duke University in America. He's also honorary visiting professor at the University of York.

I read the manuscript and wrote back:

Loved the book and would like to do what I can to get into print. Impressed by the amount of research you've done. Nevertheless it's very readable and never feels too heavy or overtly academic. Anyone with a general interest in the subject would find it easy to follow.

We spoke several times and John told me: "It's an attempt to debunk some of the myths around smoking and show the corrupt legal practices in the US that have resulted from its demonisation."

He added that he was friendly with David Hockney and Hockney had agreed to write a foreword and provide some illustrations for the book. Despite this John was having difficulty finding a publisher on either side of the Atlantic.

With his permission I sounded out one or two avenues, without success. One issue was that some chapters have a strong emphasis on America. But as John pointed out, "The US is the leader in so much of this bad legislation (Mayor Bloomberg, qv) so perhaps that is appropriate."

The good news is that without any help from me John did eventually find a publisher – the University of Buckingham Press – and yesterday a copy of the book landed on my desk.

Today, both the book and Hockney's contribution are featured in The Times ('Hockney draws support for smokers') and it was also mentioned on the Today programme.

The book is available online from Amazon, Waterstones and the University of Buckingham Press.

When I get a moment I'll write a review. In the meantime, here is John discussing the social costs of smoking: