Book Description

A well-crafted pipe is a work of art to be admired & appreciated. Whether made of clay, briar or meerschaum, every pipe's personality & history is evident in the beauty of its bowl & the style of its stem. This guide profiles more than 50 master pipe carvers from around the world & their elegant, yet functional creations. Explores the artistry of pipe making & provides a behind-the-scenes tour of carving styles & mfg. techniques. Also covers the history of the pipe -- from its North Amer. origins to its spread throughout Europe & the Middle East to the wide variety of classical & freehand styles popular today. Discusses modern pipe-smoking customs & practices, as well as how to select, smoke, & care for your pipes. More than 125 full-color photos.