The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

by Tad Gage (Author) "I, like everyone else, started out as a cigar idiot..." (more)
Key Phrases: puncture cutter, tabletop humidor, humidifying element, Dominican Republic, United States, Hot Tip (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
For millions of men and women, it’s the ultimate pleasure …

From private parties to hip bars to posh gentlemen’s clubs, cigar smoking has become an eight billion dollar global pastime. But, like wine, a fine cigar requires dedicated study and tasting. Here’s the only comprehensive book on the subject, featuring all the information that novice and veteran cigar aficionados need.

--New handy 6 X 9 format
--Completely updated with the latest brands, product lines, and accessories
--Features web-related cost-cutting tips
--Step-by-step instructions for getting the most out of a cigar

About the Author
Tad Gage is a dedicated cigar enthusiast who anticipated the incredible trend with his magazine The Complete Smoker, America’s first full color cigar magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 2 edition (January 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592575919
• ISBN-13: 978-1592575916
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,604 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Entertainment > Pop Culture > Cigars
  #29 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems > Manufacturing
  #31 in	Books > Home & Garden > Entertaining

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the Novice, June 11, 2007

By	R. Lay "outer banker" (Nags Head, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've smoked cigars in the past, even expensive ones. But, similar to my journey into wine, I was too shy to walk into a fine cigar store and ask what I thought were stupid questions about size, shape, and even the circumference of a cigar. I didn't know what made a smoke mild or robust, or why I seemed to prefer to the milder ones. In part, its a matter of taste, but as you read this book, you also learn there's a standard for most cigars, and then one can experiment with more robust or even exotic blends. After reading the book I have a great idea of what I want to look for going forward--the country, the style, the length and ring size, and what type of tobacco and wrapper will provide the taste I'm looking for. I've also learned what to pay for a good cigar, and when (and when not to!) splurge for those more expensive smokes.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Author Thanks You, June 19, 2008

By	Theodore J. Gage "Cig2Cigars" (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would like to thank all the folks who have bought my book since 1997 and have placed my book as the top-selling cigar book on Amazon, and have made put me in the top 1/10th of 1 percent of all Amazon book sellers, in any category! I think this makes a statement about the enjoyment of cigars.

The Celtics won the NBA title in 2008 and yes, you saw the players hoisting the trophy and puffing cigars. Just like Michael Jordan enjoyed a big stogie when the Bulls won back in the 1990s. The ultimate celebration is a cigar. No denying it. Readers: your reviews and comments reflect exactly what I had hoped from my readers -- a great primer for beginners, but enough content for more experienced cigar smokers who would like to know more about why they enjoy the cigars they enjoy. I couldn't ask any more than the reader who said the book offered a limited amount of information to him (he was a more experienced cigar lover) but that it was well written. If nothing else, I want it to be a fun and interesting read for you.

Thanks to the greatest and largest publisher in the world, Pearson and Penguin, for wanting to re-up and come out with a second edition. I never would have imagined, but could only have hoped that despite all the negativity about smoking, the cigar, like the peace pipe of old, represents friendship and relaxation. Thanks, and happy puffing. - Tad Gage

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars, January 31, 2008

By	Slimfish (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

Very good book. The cigar newbie to novice can really benefit from reading it as it covers all the basics. Even some long time aficionados may learn a thing or two.
I especially enjoyed the detailed information on the art of making a cigar. I didn't know just how much work goes into each cigar. It goes through an arduous journey from being a tiny seed to the finished product. It takes many years before the final product is ready for you to enjoy. A cigar is truly a work of art. An excellent book for all cigar lovers.