The Pipe Book - Alfred Dunhill 1924 - A. &, London - First Edition The first edition of this remarkable reference work, profusely illustrated throughout with 28 full page plates (four in colour) and 230 illustrations in the text of the vast variety of pipes available up to that time. Uncommon in this fine condition and with the original delicate dust jacket.

In 1907, in London, Alfred Dunhill, a young man in his early 30s, opened his first tobacconist's shop. It was an instant success, custom blending individual tobaccos as well as carrying smokers' accoutrements. Dunhill began to develop a collection of pipes from around the world, which was then catalogued. From this emerged, in 1924,
The Pipe Book, which has rarely been out of print since that date.

‘You do not need to be a smoker of pipes, or of tobacco in any form, to enjoy this book. If you like to be entertained and instructed by unique information, you will find it a fascinating volume.’ –
New York Times.
  Provenance: With the engraved armourial bookplate of the Gurowski family of Woolhampton, Berkshire, most likely that of Count Dudley Melchior Beaumont Gurowski (1865-1939), High Sheriff of Berkshire, 1914. [’Wysryna Kaliscz Polonia 1630’, ‘Nil Desperandum’].

Quarto (book size 23x17cm), pp. [2] x 262 [2 (publisher’s advertisements)]. In publisher's dark blue cloth, spine and front panel lettered in gilt with gilt pipe vignette and border blocked in blind, all edges trimmed. Dust jacket without price, as published.
  Condition: Fine but for gentle foxing to foredge, in very good dust jacket, lightly soiled to rear panel, some edge wear and small chips to spine ends and corners.   Ref: 111553   Price: HK$ 4,000