In Search of Pipe Dreams, rev2.0

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Oct 31, 2021
6
24
Massachusetts
Ok everyone,
Let's give this another go, but with a more proper format.

The intent here is to discuss a book I purchased and am presently enjoying immensely. It is also a desire on my part to solicit suggestions for further reading as I continue to seek further knowledge on the subjects and history therein.

Although the book could be seen as out of date, that would be to miss utterly the point of a contemporaneously written historical account of actually meeting so many industry legends like Chonowicz and Iversson (and his brilliant descendents too, of course).

Would like to know others think, if they can add any personal experiences in the same vein and what other related books I can read - works on pipe crafting / engineering are also of great interest.

Cheers!
 

stogie37

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 24, 2012
673
3,491
Southport, North Carolina
Just began a re-read of ISOPD and agree that it has held up well through the years. It’s like talking with a down to earth rock star - but in the pipe world ? He doesn’t need me to be impressed, but has some great stories and experiences. @sablebrush52 link is gold. Also, subscribe to the NASPC newsletter, it’s a bargain for regular fresh content and an excellent pipe show if you’re willing to travel to Columbus, OH.
 

This was written by JM Barrie, who also wrote Peter Pan. It is not just a book with someone smoking a pipe, but more about the narrator and his friends who set around and discuss tobaccos, pipes, cigars, and the accessories, just like we do on here. Plus, some hilarious stories about accessories and an adventure to go steal some Acadian Mixture which reminds me of how we all talk about raiding Peck's cellar to steal his Esotericas... well, Barrie wrote about it in the late 1880's. He is the original pipesmoker forum member. Read it. You won't be sorry.
 

Grangerous

Lifer
Dec 8, 2020
3,516
14,600
East Coast USA
My Lady Nicotine is an hysterical cluster of short stories involving the same cast of characters. Pipe smoker’s will delight in their exploits and the sarcastic wit of the author, narrator.

Deserves a re-read or three.
 
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cigrmaster

Lifer
May 26, 2012
20,248
57,309
67
Sarasota Florida
I remember when one of those guys claimed he got a better smoke when he opened up the airways on pipes worth thousands. People told him he was nuts and he was ruining fantastic pipes. I can't remember who was who, but it was a good story.
 

daveinlax

Charter Member
May 5, 2009
2,109
3,085
WISCONSIN
I remember when one of those guys claimed he got a better smoke when he opened up the airways on pipes worth thousands. People told him he was nuts and he was ruining fantastic pipes. I can't remember who was who, but it was a good story.
That was Rick Newcombe. I think he might have changed his mind on opening up pipes as far as he did. IMO it ruined a lot of pipes. I’ve got a couple and I find them way to open.
 

cigrmaster

Lifer
May 26, 2012
20,248
57,309
67
Sarasota Florida
I did remember something like this happening, that was a shocker. If he said what sizes he liked did he write it in his book? Did he want like 5.00 mm?
 

HawkeyeLinus

Lifer
Oct 16, 2020
5,857
42,243
Iowa
Me? I wasn't sure who you are directing the question too. But if it is me... My Lady Nicotine. I posted a link that has a free edition of it.
Haha, no -- OP said he wants this thread to be (partly) about discussing a book he purchased but doesn't identify it.
 

HawkeyeLinus

Lifer
Oct 16, 2020
5,857
42,243
Iowa
I just assumed the title of the thread was the title of the book. In Search of Pipe Dreams, rev2.0 by Rick Newcombe
Tony Randall as Felix on The Odd Couple taught me never to assume long, long ago!

I honestly thought that was the OP's description of his own personal musings, lol, and kept reading the OP thinking "just tell me the name of the ____ book".

Now I know!
 
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sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings
Jun 15, 2013
20,978
50,216
Southern Oregon
jrs457.wixsite.com
I did remember something like this happening, that was a shocker. If he said what sizes he liked did he write it in his book? Did he want like 5.00 mm?
Newcombe? He does speak to specific airway sizes. There's nothing new about wider airways. Charatan used 4mm for their straights and 4.7 for their bents, according to the late and much missed Ken Barnes, who would have known if anyone did.
 

hawky454

Lifer
Feb 11, 2016
5,338
10,234
Austin, TX
Big fan of Searching & Still Searching. I’ve read the former at least 3 times since I got it.

Alfred Dunhill & Stokkebye’s books are great too.