After two years in Cuba researching the production of the cigar, Charles Del Todesco has pulled together a remarkable two-part testament to this legendary status symbol. In part one he reviews the hollowed history of cigars in Cuba, then describes in detail the processes involved in creating them. The color photographs that accompany his cogent text reveal the beauty of the land and the hands and faces of the craftsmen and women behind each new Havana. Part two is an invaluable cigar reference, featuring a catalogue raisonne that provides a handsome portfolio of all Havana cigars currently available, shown actual size. An ideal introduction for the cigar neophyte as well as a superb guide for the experienced smoker, The Havana Cigar is, like its subject, without peer.
Book Description
It appears the cigar has arrived. Long relegated to boardroom or back room card table, the cigar has emerged into broad daylight, attaining mass appeal while holding on to its macho mystique. And amid the available (or not so available) assortment of cigars, the Havana stands head and shoulders above the rest. Grown on patches of land at the western tip of Cuba, cured, and rolled following centuries-old traditions, for decades illegal in the United States, it has a flavor -- and a cachet -- all its own.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Originally published in France, The Havana Cigar provides a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at Cuba's best-known export. Soon after Columbus arrived in the New World, tobacco became Cuba's crop of choice. Tobacco was so lucrative, the Spanish Crown imposed a monopoly on it in 1717. Havana's first cigar factory opened in 1799, and another 400 follow within two decades because of demand in Europe, where the cigar was regarded as a sign of success. Del Todesco details the extremely involved processes of tobacco growing and treatment, plus the meticulous hand assembly of cigars. A catalog of Havana cigars and their characteristics caps the book. Patrick Janet's remarkable photos, especially those taken inside the cigar factories, are a testament to those people whose lives are devoted to cigars and cigar making. This ultimate read for the stogie aficionado will have U.S. smokers wishing for an end to our Cuban embargo. Brian McCombie
Review
Best cigar-book find. . . . Not only is the photography sumptuous but you get a catalogue raisonne in the back of the book showing over 60 Havana cigars in life-size view with measurements and evaluations. -- THE magazine, 1/98
Del Todesco's informative and engaging text is beautifully illustrated by Patrick Jantet's rich photographs [to] reveal the beauty of the land, the hands and faces of the craftsmen, the women behind every new Havana, and of course, the Havana cigars themselves! -- The Midwest Book Review Newsletter, 9/97
Del Todesco's informative and engaging text is beautifully illustrated by Patrick Jantet's rich photographs [to] reveal the beauty of the land, the hands and faces of the craftsmen, the women behind every new Havana, and of course, the Havana cigars themselves! -- The Midwest Book Review Newsletter, 9/97
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great history with medium depth on the cigar review,
By
This review is from: The Havana Cigar: Cuba's Finest (Hardcover)
I really appreciated this book for the photography and the explanation of the manufacturing process. Del Todesco does a great job of walking the reader through the myriad processes of creating a puro. The only thing about this book that left me a little disappointed was the review of cigars in the back. It seems a little difficult to review a cigar in one sentence, especially cigars that are as complex as a Montecristo #2 or a Hoyo de Monterrey...but time and again, he sums up an otherwise world famous cigar as "suitable for a beginner" or "mild, not much to recommend about this cigar". It just struck me as odd to have a compilation as deep as what is presented in this book and then give the cigars an extremely indifferent and passing glance en masse. The first 130 pages were interesting no matter what level of aficianado you are...the encyclopedia could use a good second edition enhancement.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best havana reference available in the US,
This review is from: The Havana Cigar: Cuba's Finest (Hardcover)
This is a great reference book for specific havana brands. Life sized images of most cigars from nearly all brands is included along with vitola information and author's tasting notes/suggestions. This is in addition to general cigar information like history of tobacco, tobacco cultivation and creating a cigar. The specific details are a bit dated (1997) but still the best I have seen published in the US. However, Min Ron Nee's text is superior if you can obtain it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My cigar bible,
This review is from: The Havana Cigar: Cuba's Finest (Hardcover)
I have an extensive collection of cigar books but this is the only one I cannot part with . The author has successfully catalouged Cuban cigars and provided extensive and interesting information not available in other contemporary publications . A must for any serious aficionado.
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