The Havana Cigar: Cuba's Finest
Originally published in France,The Havana Cigarprovides a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at Cuba's best-known export. Soon after Columbus arrived in the New World, tobacco became Cuba's crop of choice. Tobacco was so lucrative, the Spanish Crown imposed a monopoly on it in 1717. Havana's first cigar factory opened in 1799, and another 400 follow within two decades because of demand in Europe, where the cigar was regarded as a sign of success. Del Todesco details the extremely involved processes of tobacco growing and treatment, plus the meticulous hand assembly of cigars. A catalog of Havana cigars and their characteristics caps the book. Patrick Janet's remarkable photos, especially those taken inside the cigar factories, are a testament to those people whose lives are devoted to cigars and cigar making. This ultimate read for the stogie aficionado will have U.S. smokers wishing for an end to our Cuban embargo.Brian McCombie