This exhibition catalogue accompanies the special exhibition "Der blaue Dunst. Eine Kulturgeschichte des Rauchens", presented at the Niederrheinisches Museum fur Volkskunde und Kulturgeschichte in Kevelaer in 1987. The publication explores the cultural, social and historical dimensions of smoking as a widespread human practice. Through concise essays and visual documentation, the catalogue examines how tobacco consumption shaped everyday life, social rituals and symbolic meanings across different periods. The catalogue is structured thematically and provides an overview of the historical development of smoking from its introduction in Europe to its role in modern society. Individual sections address tobacco as a trade commodity, a stimulant, and a cultural symbol. The authors discuss pipes, cigars and cigarettes, as well as the social spaces associated with smoking, such as taverns, coffee houses and domestic interiors. Black and white illustrations document objects, images and archival materials presented in the exhibition. The publication offers an accessible yet well-documented contribution to the cultural history of everyday practices.