The Havana Cigar: Cuba's Finest

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

THE magazine, 1/98
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 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!

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French


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After two years in Cuba researching cigar production, the author has compiled a testament to this legendary status symbol that, according to connoisseurs, is transcendent in quality. He reviews the history of cigars in Cuba and details the processes involved in creating them, including the cultivation of tobacco, the curing process, and the handiwork. Rich color photographs reveal the beauty of the land and the hands and faces of the craftsmen. Includes a cigar reference guide. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.


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