University of Michigan professor Pamela Pennock has penned "Advertising Sin and Sickness," which explores the history of alcohol and tobacco marketing between 1950 and 1990, the Michigan Journal reported Jan. 15.

"My purpose was never to be a supporter or opponent of the industries or of the movements to restrict them, but to seek answers to questions about what these struggles and controversies can tell us about recent American health and consumer politics and business power," said Pinnock, whose book includes passages on the political, religious, and social dimensions of alcohol and tobacco product marketing and control.

Pinnock said that one aspect of the book that readers often find surprising is the level of cooperation between opposing political groups and activists in regulating alcohol and tobacco marketing.