The Complete Guide to Cigars

by Steve Luck

The Complete Guide to Cigars offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of cigars, from the very first plantations to the modern-day cult of the cigar. It also has an extensive directory, listing the establushed brands from the major cigar-producing countries around the world.
The Complete Guide to Cigars shows how the history of the cigar is extricably bound into the history of the settlement of the New World and this valuable commodity caused decades of conflict between nations. It also illuminates the intricate and highly skilled process of making a cigar from sowing tobacco to packing cigars for export.

There is also advice on choosing the ideal cigar for you, how to store cigars, and how to get the most enkoyment you can from your cigars. This is a book for all aspiring cigar aficionados, as well as people who enjoy a good smoke.

Genres: Reference

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Will G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently took up cigars and friend gave me this book. It’s a good basic primer into cigars, some history, how they are made, the taste and descriptions of the major brands. An interesting read, although somewhat shallow in the end.

[Gary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book. As a young man, I used to treat myself to an occasional cigar, usually recommended to me by my blessed tobacconist. A devoted pipe smoker, I had an excellent understanding of tobacco's and various blends producing specific results (within reason). So reading this well illustrated and deeply knowledgable book was like visiting an old friend. If you have an interest in cigars, tobacco, smoking, this need to be in your bookcase.

[Ethan West · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad introductory book to cigars. My problem with it was how much I felt like it focused on Cuba and Cuban cigars. I understand the ethos behind Cuban cigars but I have not really bought into all the hype. A lot of my favorite cigars come from Nicaragua. But, as it goes, this book did have some good info.

[Gonzalo Oyanedel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tanto por su recorrido histórico como por sus datos técnicos y repaso a las principales marcas, el trabajo realizado por Steve Luck resulta idóneo para neófitos como para los aficionados que deseen adentrarse más en el mundo del tabaco.

[Tyler Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful book to give a read if you are interested in the hobby of cigar smoking, or even just the history of cigars.

As a cigar smoker a lot of the actual smoking related information wasn't new, things like how to cut and light the cigar, etiquette and such but I found the history of tobacco and cigars to be great.

The book really starts from the beginning with where the earliest known example of smoking tobacco comes from. It serves as a great timeline stretching beginning to more modern history centered around the Cuban Embargo to now.

The book also goes into great detail regarding the process of making cigars, how the tobacco is grown, harvested and cured and finally how it is scrutinized, grouped for purpose and eventually rolled by skilled and trained hands.

The end of the book consists of a glossary of numerous well known cigar bands as well as some older and possibly not so known ones. Its interesting to read about the history of some of the larger brands like Cohiba and Arturo Fuente but I found myself skipping over many of the lesser known brands especially those in Cuba.

All in all a great little book on the cheap to get some brief but broad insight into the history of this hobby.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasnt an outstanding book but its a pretty comprehensive history of cigars. There are absolutely some interesting stories that I personally never knew (like the tuxedo is actually a fashion that came from cigar smokers). There is also a bit of droning cigar description in the second half of the book. Its something good for any aficionado, as knowing the roots of one of your favorite things can never be bad, but you may find yourself pushing to get through the pages at the end.

[Meghan]

Belongs to my husband