The Pipe Book

By Alfred Dunhill

Book Overview

"The Pipe Book" is an authoritative and engaging exploration of the evolution, artistry, and global history of the tobacco pipe. Penned by the legendary pipe maker Alfred Dunhill, this comprehensive study documents the diverse forms and functions of smoking implements across nearly every corner of the world. From the simple clay pipes of early Europe to the elaborate ceremonial pipes of North American indigenous cultures and the ornate meerschaums of the East, Dunhill provides a meticulous account of how human ingenuity has shaped the experience of smoking.

The work combines anthropological insight with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, examining the materials, designs, and social rituals associated with tobacco use throughout history. By detailing the development of the pipe as both a practical tool and an object of artistic expression, the book offers a fascinating look at how different civilizations have adapted natural resources like wood, stone, and bone to suit their cultural needs. Rich in historical detail, "The Pipe Book" remains a quintessential resource for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the social history and material culture of smoking.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025908635
• ISBN13: 9781025908632
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.7" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Should be "The History of Pipes"

Good book if you want to know the history of pipes and pipe smoking. Nothing else of any value.

It Is What It Is, Isn't It!

by TOMAS DeMOSS (Not wife Glenda!!) This is an excellent book that will be of major interest to pipe smokers especially, who enjoy smoking, collecting and reading about pipes and tobacco. The book is EXACTLY what it claims to be. I would have been sorely disappointed if it weren't. Several of the reviewers have denigrated the book because the contents didn't meet their expectations. That is not the responsibility of the book. It's the responsibility of the person who purchased the book to know what the contents are. It always amazes me when people bring home a book and are disappointed with it if it isn't magically filled with the information they were seeking.

Ok book, not a great book

Ok, this is not a book about the pipes we smoke, in fact there are only a few pages regarding Brier pipes. Most of what is covered are pipes from ancient times in the America's and basically, the tribal areas of some of the most primitive countries. The designs in the book would be good for someone who is going to use them as ideas for a pipe design, but over all, not a basic "hands on" book. I give it four stars because even though I was a bit disappointed with the book at first, it is well written and has some interesting and funny stories. There are web sites that have better information for new smokers, or pipe maintenance, tobacco types etc. but not in this book. Get it if you like to read weird stuff, ummm.....like I do.

Interesting Read

This book has lot of informative history of tobacco and tobacco smoking. The stories incouded were not only interesting but also full of intrigue. It includes a description of different pipes and their uses. I very much enjoyed learning about the humble beginnings of the Dunhill family. It does make a wonderful coffee table book. VERY WELL PLEASED!!