by Kenneth Lieblich
I’ve been meaning to do some book reviews for a little while now. I’ve read a few pipe-related books in the last few months – some very good, some very bad, and some in between. Today, I am offering a brief review of The Unknown Canadian Pipe Smoker by Fraser Moss. This book is one which leans more towards the good. It is a book that discusses the interesting and significant role that Canadians have played in pipe-making and the pipe-smoking lifestyle. Mr Moss has written some very useful, informative, and enjoyable words, which are somewhat subverted by design choices, spelling errors, and some omissions to the Canadian pipe-smoking world. Despite this, the book is pleasing and worthwhile – and I recommend it.
First, let’s talk about the good – and there is much to like here. In the introduction, Mr Moss begins with his own history in pipe smoking and, in chapter 1, provides an overview of pipes and pipe smoking in general. Chapter 2 focuses more particularly on briar and what goes into actually making a pipe. From that point on, the majority of the book consists of discussions about and/or with major Canadian pipe makers: Briar, Sweat, and Tears Pipes (in chapter 3), Julius Vesz Pipes (in chapter 4), Brigham Pipes (in chapter 5), Blatter & Blatter (in chapter 6), and MacQueen Pipes (in chapter 7). He writes about the history of each company, their methods of pipe making, their trials and tribulations, the quality of their work, and their prospects for the future. These chapters are a fine insight into these important pipe companies, and I commend Mr Moss for providing some fascinating details – including many pieces of information I had never read before. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Julius Vesz. There is also an appendix which exhibits several pipe shops across Canada. This was helpful, as these shops are becoming a dying breed. The price of the book is worth it for these chapters. Mr Moss’ writing is clear, concise, and entertaining.
However, there are some significant omissions from this book. I realize that not every pipe maker in Canadian history can be included (a point that Mr Moss acknowledges in the book, saying, ‘I do not get paid to write’), but there are a few who, in my opinion, should not have been overlooked. In particular, there is no information provided on such notable names as John Calich, Leonard Payne, or the Paradis Brothers – among others. I would also include Michael Parks on this list, but at least Mr Moss briefly explained why he didn’t include him. Not including these pipe makers is problematic, in my opinion. Even a concise write-up on these men would have been a worthy contribution. In fact, one of the appendices is entitled, ‘Canadian Pipe Makers, Past and Present’ and it provides a short and simple list of such makers – and it is surprisingly incomplete.
There are some niggling details of design that detract slightly from the book, but I will skip over these, as I may be viewed as overly pedantic. However, there are some points that cannot be overlooked. Specifically, there is no table of contents, there is no index, and there are no running heads. It is very simple to add these things to books, and they greatly improve the enjoyment of reading.
There is one issue in this book which I find to be quite ridiculous: the misspelling. I realize that anyone (including myself) can make a typo, but when writing a book – for goodness’ sake – get it properly proofread! I am not even referring to simple, run-of-the-mill words – I am talking about proper names. Misspelling someone’s name, in this context, is unforgiveable. This book includes the following:
- Jim Cook (instead of Jim Cooke)
- Russ Oulette (instead of Russ Ouellette)
- Stephanie Downie (instead of Stephen Downie – oh dear)
- Marky Tinsky (instead of Mark Tinsky)
- Rattary’s (instead of Rattray’s)
- Bronfmen (instead of Bronfman)
- William Shanter (instead of William Shatner)
I will not end this review on a negative, because this is a good book. It is worth reading, so go and buy it. The stories of the pipe makers are compelling and you will learn a great deal – while being entertained. I read it while smoking my pipe and it was most fitting. The book has some difficulties, but they do not overcome the fine interview material that Fraser Moss has provided. I look forward to future books from Mr Moss – or perhaps a second edition of this book.
I hope you enjoyed reading my review of The Unknown Canadian Pipe Smoker by Fraser Moss. If you are interested in more of my work, please follow me here on Steve’s website or send me an email at kenneth@knightsofthepipe.com. Thank you very much for reading and, as always, I welcome and encourage your comments.
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