The ultimate pipe book Hardcover – January 1, 1984

I kept this book on my shelf in the 1990s and early 2000s but lost it along the way. I was happy to find another copy with an inscription by the author.

This book truly is the ultimate pipe handbook, and I would recommend it to all newbie pipe smokers and some like myself who gave up the pipe years ago and have come back to the pipe in my later years. This book explains a lot of the truths and myths of pipe smoking...what not to do and what you should do and what type of pipes smoke best and coolest with the least bite. It also goes into detail of how to correctly load your pipe and light it, which I never knew as a young man...now I learn!! It has truly helped me learn not only the "correct" way to do things, but the way which in fact stretches your dollars, and makes the enjoyment of pipe smoking much more REAL and satifying! Many of the myths I learned as a college student in my 20s, were dead wrong..and Mr. Hacker explains exactly what they are and why they are not done! It is never ever too late to learn and I thoroughly enjoyed the book, including Mr. Hackers light hearted jokes and amusing stories, which make the book so enjoyable! As Professor Einstein said, never take yourself or others too seriously! I intend to refer to this book often and highly recommend it to all pipe smokers new and old, and is the first book new pipe smokers should not only buy but read thoroughly!

Overall, this is one of the few good books on the subject of pipes and pipe smoking. It's a bit outdated, however, and lacks an index which would be helpful in locating information you are looking for later. We need a newer edition with more current information on the pipe makers and products available now vs the 80's and 90's.

After reading the reviews for both this and Mr. Hacker's 21st Century "update", I purchased both books and was not disappointed. There are some duplications, but they are two different books. The portions that are duplicated between them are worth re-reading anyway. Mr. Hacker does a fantastic job at bringing in just the right amount of detail to keep the book entertaining and moving. As a fairly new pipe smoker, I purchased the book to learn more about the hobby. I found that I didn't want to put it down and appreciated all the information Mr. Hacker had put in the book.

I have a short attention span and enjoy small stories from authors like Pat McManus. Pat mention this book in one of his stories and off I went in search of this book. I enjoy a pipe occasionally for special events like family gatherings at the beach. But, after reading this book, I have found a greater appreciation for the the pleasures of pipe smoking.

Great book, I am a young smoker and I love history and this thing is chalk full of historical goodness and well as great ideas and how too and references as to culture of pipe smoking.

The unrivaled classic in its category. Get it (if you can, that is). It's out of print.

I have not read this book was hoping for lots of photos. But it appears quite informative. The Ultimate Pipe Book is the top reference guide for pipe smoking enthusiast.

If you're a pipe collector, smoker or just interested in pipes, this book is vital reading.

Too old and out dated.

I adore this book. So informative. For anyone who is interested in pipe smoking this is a must read. Richard Carleton Hacker gives a fabulous account of the history of the pipe and tobacco. A fantastic read.

Good read.

I think, as a pipe smoker myslef, this is a 'must have' book for anyones collection. Ok, things/information may be a few years out of date, but it's still a great read and very informative for pipe related things that have not changed over the decades. (briar types/meerschaums/stems, the culture, the history etc).