The library system here in Vegas had a couple pipe books. "The Perfect Pipe" by Paul H. Jeffers and "Pipe- The Art And Lore Of A Great Tradition" by Robin Crole. Both were informative and good to thumb through for a beginner. My suggestion would be to check with the local library and see if they have them or could get them. That way you have more money for tobacco and pipes
Good to have you buddy. I am going to have to agree with ace57...you will find as much if not more knowledge here than you would in any book. We have everything from smokers to blenders to carvers to sellers etc. here. Ask away brother.
Cheers.
Welcome to the forum, Troy.
Do you have any pipes yet? What are you smoking? Let us know how you are doing.
You can get most of your questions answered here, but if you like to read, here is a fun book: Confessions of a Pipeman
Enjoy. ::