About this book:

*Lorillard Inc.: The Story of an American Company* offers a comprehensive look at one of America's oldest and most influential businesses, tracing its remarkable journey from a colonial snuff factory in 1760 to a titan of the modern tobacco industry. This book chronicles how Lorillard continuously adapted over two and a half centuries, from harnessing water power in the early industrial age and pioneering advertising techniques, to navigating the complex landscape of consolidation, antitrust actions, and intense regulatory scrutiny. It delves into the company's pivotal product innovations, from its early emphasis on snuff and chewing tobacco to its defining role in the rise of iconic cigarette brands like Old Gold and the controversial Kent, whose "Micronite" filter contained asbestos.

Beyond its products, the narrative explores Lorillard's significant impact on American society and industry, detailing its growth into a major employer and its involvement in groundbreaking legal challenges, including the landmark Master Settlement Agreement. The book also highlights the company's strategic foresight in recognizing and entering the electronic cigarette market with the acquisition of blu eCigs. Ultimately, *Lorillard Inc.* provides an insightful and often provocative examination of a company that not only survived but thrived through profound economic, social, and technological transformations, culminating in its 2015 acquisition by Reynolds American Inc., where its legacy, particularly through the dominant Newport brand, continues to shape the future of nicotine consumption in the 21st century.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Explore the 250-year journey of Lorillard Inc., from a colonial snuff manufacturer to a modern tobacco giant, highlighting its role in American industrial and social development.
• Discover the pivotal innovations that shaped Lorillard, including early advertising, the shift from water power to industrial factories, and the groundbreaking introduction of filtered cigarettes.
• Learn about the evolution of iconic brands like Old Gold and Newport, understanding their marketing strategies, cultural impact, and the controversies surrounding their growth.
• Examine the critical legal and public health challenges faced by Lorillard, from the Tobacco Trust and antitrust actions to asbestos in Kent filters and the Master Settlement Agreement.
• Gain insight into Lorillard's strategic diversification into the electronic cigarette market with blu eCigs, and its eventual acquisition by Reynolds American, reshaping the modern tobacco landscape.

Who's It For:

This book is ideal for readers interested in American industrial history, business evolution, and the complex societal impact of major corporations. It will particularly appeal to those studying marketing, public health policy, and legal challenges within the context of a long-standing and controversial industry. Historians, business students, and anyone curious about the intricate relationship between commerce, innovation, and public perception will find this detailed account highly informative.