Customer Reviews

In Search of Pipe Dreams

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great book for anyone who smokes a pipe. Rick Newcombe has some very definite ideas about pipes and he shares them with us in 24 great chapters. I find myself going back to the book and reading some chapters over and over again. Then there is the introduction and epilogue by Albert Mendez, both of which are outstanding. Don't miss this book - it is a Pipe Classic.

Great reading. A pipe adventure book where the author details his expeditions throughout Europe with the pipemakers themselves. A little too much emphasis on how the author's pipe must be modified to enjoy, but we each must enjoy our pipes however we feel. Too bad the pictures aren't in color to see the detail of these high end pipes.

I'm sure I'm in the majority; those of us who enjoy smoking a pipe, but could never imagine spending $1000 on one (or more than a few hundred for me). This book mainly discusses those extremely expensive pieces, but in the authors defense, he claims to smoke them, so whatever floats his boat. There is also really good political commentary, discussion on pipe mechanics, and the book is nicely written and easy to read. If you want something nice to read about how the rich people enjoy their pipe tobacco, this is your book. If you resent the uber wealthy contingent of pipe smokers, this book might cause fits of rage for you. I'm a tolerant guy, I enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Not only does it have a lot of good information about pipes and pipe carvers, it also deals with the companies that prodce pipes. The author also tells about his travels all over the world in the pursuit of his greatest passion..pipe smoking.

While I found this book interesting overall it is probably not the best book for the novice or casual pipe smoker. Too much dedication is made to the high end pipes that few will buy or can afford. There is little mention of the pleasure of smoking a simple though adequate pipe.

I enjoyed this book on my Kindle. While I was hoping for a broader scope directed toward the average pipe smoker (like myself) , I instead found this book to be very much focused upon the collector of top shelf pipes which are far beyond the financial reach of almost all brothers of the briar. That being said, it was still very interesting to see 'how the other half lives'; those who can afford pipe collections in the hundreds if not thousands of 'pieces' often costing several thousands of dollars per pipe! There is not a thing in the world wrong with that, by the way. However, for me personally, I was hoping for something more on pipe smoking, perhaps a bit of history and such directed toward the more average pipe afficianado wishing to grow in understanding of this delightful pastime.

The description of the book was not clear to me about it's focus. In a way, this was fortunate, because I would not have downloaded the book, yet because I did I've gained insight into a world far beyond my world of refurbishing old briar to enjoy a small rotation of good pipes. It was like taking a Bedouin - accustomed to an entire life in a desert - to the local 'Water World' type amusement park and giving him ice in every drink between water slides and such!

Well done! Fine writing , good humor and frankly the introduction and closing comments are so well written that they alone are worth the price along with the very practical and balanced insights into the resurgence of anti-tobacco hysteria, where much of the actual science which has been surpressed relating to pipe smokers and their enhanced lives is shown to have been (knowingly) surpressed in order to facilitate more governmental control of our lives.

A Good Read while in quiet contemplation with pipe in hand -

>Ray

This book is an excellent personal perspective on a variety of pipe makers and pipe topics and worth the read for the collector. There are more informative books for those new to the pipe. The biographies provide the most infotainment. Newcombes write in an easy style and the book reads like a pipe travels diary rather than a reference source (which it isn't). The one really annoying factor in the book is how often the author mentions his belief that pipes should be opened up more. He tends to drone on and on about the subject far to often, to the point of distraction from the rest of the material.

This is for me definitely one of the best books on pipes ever written. Very informative, yet written in an easy and catching style that really keeps you reading and reading and reading... without stopping. Lots of useful and very interesting information. If only Mr.Newcombe would write a sequel... Highly recomended for all pipe and tobacco lovers and other interested audience... One of my definite favourites among pipe books!

This is an amazing book. I couldn't put it down, and now I keep re-reading different parts of it. He has so many insights and well-reasoned opinions about many aspects of pipe smoking. The section with color photos really does show the pipes to be works of art.

I bought a second copy to give to my uncle, who has been a pipe smoker for more than 50 years. He keeps thanking me, saying he loves the book. Highly recommended!!!

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN COLLECTING PIPES. IT SHOWS ALL THE MANY FACETS OF PIPES. IT IS A WELCOME ADDITION TO MY REFERENCE LIBRARY OF PIPES!
RON DIENER