Kevin Godbee

Pipe smoking is a big deal in Denmark. The Danes have the highest per capita population of pipe smokers in the world. So it seems fitting that the Scandinavian region would also produce some of the most famous pipe makers in the world. If you really want to be knowledgeable about the past, present and future of pipes, then you must be informed about the 50+ pipe makers from Denmark, Sweden & Norway. There are not many books published for the pipe enthusiast. Of the small amount, in and out of print, just a few have chapters on Scandinavian pipe makers. Now we have a brand new, complete book about them.

“Scandinavian Pipemakers” by Jan Andersson is a hardcover 340-page book, with 400 color illustrations, now available from Briar Books Press for $60.

The Perfect Smoke - Gourmet Pipe Smoking for Relaxation and Reflection, By Fred J. Hanna

Kevin Godbee

It’s not often that a new book targeted to pipe smokers and collectors gets published. We are after all, a pretty small niche market. So when a new book does come out, it almost feels like there should be a celebration. In this case, I think a celebration of Fred Hanna’s latest labor of love is warranted … and you should buy the book too. I haven’t read the book yet, but I’m planning on getting an autographed copy when I see Fred at The Chicagoland Int’l Pipe & Tobacciana Show on May 5 & 6. I already know the book is going to be great. Fred is a genius when it comes to pipes and tobaccos. He has a PhD in psychology, and was awarded the "Doctor of Pipes" designation at the 2010 Chicago show. He has been in the hobby for countless years, is known for his love of straight grain pipes, and has his own tobacco blend produced by McClelland, called Wilderness.

Fred has spoken publicly and has been published innumerous times on the subjects of pipes, tobaccos, and in his professional field of psychology. He has many extremely fascinating insights that tie together psychology, physiology, health, and relaxation with pipes and tobacco. The way Dr. Hanna expresses his knowledge, information and wisdom is just purely captivating. The book is a combination of past works, and new writings, and is the perfect opportunity to get inside the mind of one of the brightest people in the hobby.

By G. L. Pease

It seems, at first thought, a bit unfair to present such a short review of such an imposing book as the second edition of Gary Schrier’s History of the Calabash Pipe, but since I’d encourage you to get a copy of the book and spend your time with it rather than reading what I think about, it, a short review is exactly what I’ll offer. In fact, I could probably sleep with, "If you’re a calabash collector, or a pipe smoker with even a vague interest in the things, or just someone with a love of craft and history, this volume deserves its place in your library." You could stop reading here, order your copy, and sit by the postbox, anxiously awaiting its arrival. But, here’s a little more.

First, this is not really light reading, nor should it be. It’s not a fluff piece about the imposing gourd and meerschaum pipe that many incorrectly associate with Sherlock Holmes (a subject addressed in Chapter 13). Schrier has devoted over ten years to the research and writing of his dissertation, taking the subject very seriously, and it shows. To date, no one has approached the calabash pipe with greater depth or such breadth.

But, neither is it dry, ponderous or inaccessible. It’s a truly enjoyable read, especially for those of us whose interest in our pastime extends beyond the instruments themselves, and reaches into the fascinating histories that our pipes symbolize. Much has been said about the briar, too little about the Calabash. Schrier sets out to right that wrong, and does so admirably, with discussions of the dramatic pipe’s history, its construction, insight into the botany and cultivation of the humble gourd that makes the calabash pipe possible, and a look at its makers and collectors. Too, there are reference sections on makers’ marks and hallmarks to help with identification, and a chapter of questions and answers.

The book itself is beautifully printed, and richly illustrated; most of its 390 pages are adorned with wonderful images, modern and historic. Flipping through its pages is a visual treat, and it’s a great way to start with it, but that’s only the beginning. Schrier’s History of the Calabash Pipe is not an afternoon’s read, but something to linger over and enjoy in all its glory. Highly recommended.

(Click here for more information or to order).

Disclaimer: It will be noted that I took some of the photographs in the book–most notably, those illustrating the collection of John Fabris. Some cynics might feel that I may be recommending it to my own profit. For those cynics, let me make clear that I receive no compensation from the book’s sales; my recommendation is based solely on its merit as an excellent treatise on the calabash pipe. -glp

IN SEARCH OF PIPE DREAMS: A METAPHOR FOR HIGHER SMOKING PLEASURES
By Steven Van Puyvelde

Dreams, passion, trying to reach that state of nirvana that only us pipe smokers know about … that is the point of Rick Newcombe’s book, which was first published in 2003 and was just recently reissued with 16 pages of beautiful color photographs. It is also one of the few pipe books available on Kindle.

If you enjoy your pipes, you will enjoy this book. It is a revelation, especially because Mr. Newcombe was one of the first connoisseurs to champion great Danish pipe makers who include Sixten, Lars and Nanna Ivarsson, Jess Chonowitsch, Bo Nordh and S. Bang.

Now, I can imagine that some people might be thinking, "this book is mainly about high grades" that I can’t afford, so why should I read it?