Firebrand

This is storytelling at its best. Wry observation, compelling narrative, fascinating characters, page-turning writing, and an age-old question driving it all: how is it that those who profit from harm get away with it, even when everyone knows what they are up to? Illusion is the answer, says Joshua Knelman-the craft of its practitioners, and the ready acceptance of its targets. That is Firebrand's story about big tobacco. It is as thrilling for its revelations as it is sobering for its conclusions. -Joel Bakan, author of The New Corporation: How 'Good' Corporations are Bad for Democracy Firebrand is a beautifully written, riveting tale of one man's journey into the world of gilded evil that has seduced billions, enticing them into the embrace of the deadliest product ever invented. Joshua Knelman is a gifted storyteller, guiding us through the moral forensics of this goliath of death and pleasure as it takes over the soul of one of those who entered its portals. -Martyn Burke, Peabody Award-winning film director of Under Fire: Journalists in Combat Yes, this is about the slick maneuvering of international cigarette companies. But it's also about how corporations navigate legislation, and how policy is never as clear-cut as it looks-especially through the eyes of a lawyer. Firebrand is addictive. -Jeff Rubin, former Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets, and author of The Expendables Ever wondered why the most dangerous consumer product ever invented-the cigarette-is still legally available for sale? Joshua Knelman takes us deep inside the global tobacco industry to reveal a story of corporate greed, international intrigue, and the complicity of public policy in the face of big money. Firebrand offers a compelling case study in our addiction to capitalism, in a book that will make your heart race and your blood boil. -Andrew Westoll, RBC Taylor Prize-winning author of The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary Knelman lights up every deeply-reported and finely-observed chapter of Firebrand with wit and insight. A rollicking and riveting insider's tour of an insidious global industry. -Rachel Giese, author of Boys: What it Means to Become a Man As addictive as the subject matter, Knelman's storytelling breathes intrigue, high-drama, and humour on to every page, while guiding us through the nebulous business of a killer industry. One helluva good read. -Garvia Bailey, broadcaster and co-founder, Media Girlfriends WARNING: Firebrand is a thriller told from deep inside global capitalism's secret chambers, where few of us ever get to tread. The story will make your palms sweat and your heart race, a staggering achievement. -Richard Poplak, author of Paydirt: What the Search for Gold has Cost the World