This book considers the history and development of the tobacco-smoking pipe as an art form and is an illustrated guide for pipe collectors. Fact and fancy, history laced with humor, and a chronological collection of pipes are shown in many styles, values, and materials including briars, corn cobs, meerschaum, porcelain, ivory, amber, silver, gold, semi-precious stones, and rare woods.

This volume features pipes from all over the world, carved and molded in a vast array of forms, including classical models, some depicting human faces, others animals, arms, legs, shells, and a wide selection of out of the ordinary examples.

This unique value guide showcases highly personal, well-made smoking instruments. Informational sections on how pipes were made, what to look for and what to avoid when collecting pipes. Other pipe facts and finds are also included. Over 1,000 color photos.

Here is the first illustrated retrospective of the storied evolution and continental acceptance of the porcelain pipe. The history of these beautiful pipes is covered in over 145 brilliant photos and detailed, informative text, from their revolutionary introduction as early objets d'art to their eventual eclipse as twentieth century kitsch. While the history, manufacture, and use of clay, meerschaum, and briar tobacco pipes have been thoroughly documented, the authors have now crafted a chronicle about porcelain tobacco pipes. This pipe originated with an eighteenth-century, European design developed in France and in Germany and its production spanned roughly 250 years. Porcelain pipes for student life, sporting coats of arms, commemorating military campaigns, adorned with a wide range of flora and fauna, and much more are illustrated and described. Whether you are a pipe smoker, pipe collector, or someone who appreciates antique and vintage porcelain objects, this vivid narrative is a fascinating read.

Antique meerschaum pipes and tobacciana are presented in text and nearly 300 color photos, from diminutive cigarette holders to massive sculptured pipes, many made over 150 years ago. No wonder pipe collectors are passionate about these exceptional works of art!