Best Alternative to the Min Ron Nee

[armmmmm]

I want to get a book that covers as much about CCs as a book can. I know the Min Ron Nee is very well put together but, I don't want to spend $700+ on a book or $5,000?? on a second edition. I've done some research and looks like The World of the Habano (ISBN 978-959-7212-05-8) is one that is recommended as a good alternative. Anyone have experience with this one? Any other books you would recommend?

[nutcracker]

No alternative, sorry.

The Casa Habanos book is a nice starting point.

[Puros Y Vino]

Easy. www.cubancigarwebsite.com Uses many of MRN's pictures; with permission.

[El Presidente]

No Alternative bar CCW as Frank pointed out.

I would fork out tthe $100-$150 for the first book if you can find it. That is what it was going for. Not sure about these days.

[Maplepie]

I would fork out tthe $100-$150 for the first book if you can find it. That is what it was going for. Not sure about these days.

1st edition i've seen for a ludicrous $750.

2nd edition is a tad more realistic at 200-400 dollars.

Sent from the Enigma on Tapatalk for BlackBerry.

[Puros Y Vino]

You can get the 1st Edition in Cuba for $75CUC. If you can read Espanol. Worth every penny even with the language barrier.

[Ginseng]

How can you tell first from second edition?

Wilkey

[Puros Y Vino]

How can you tell first from second edition?

Wilkey

I think it's more of a "1st Printing" vs "2nd Printing" thing. That should be listed within the first few pages of the book in the publishing details.

[Smallclub]

I think it's more of a "1st Printing" vs "2nd Printing" thing.

It's technically a 2nd edition since the text was revised (typos and little mistakes corrected).

[armmmmm]

1st edition i've seen for a ludicrous $750.

2nd edition is a tad more realistic at 200-400 dollars.

Sent from the Enigma on Tapatalk for BlackBerry.

Yep, cheapest I found for a first edition was $700 (used) and haven't come accross any second editions but figured it would be more. Read $5,000 for the second edition somewhere.

[oliverdst]

I know a place where there is the German edition, brand new I guess.

PM if you are interested.

BTW, I bought my English edition (last issue) there.

[Habana Mike]

Lots of definitions regarding editions. Bibliographical, collector, publisher, library, etc.

I believe in the case of Min Ron Nee's Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars the second printing is considered a revised edition versus a second edition:

The terms revised edition and nth edition, revised are sometimes used by publishers when the book has been editorially revised or updated but for some reason the author or publisher does not want to call it the n+1th edition (where n = previous edition number).

Conversely, they may decide to call a version that is really not very different a "new edition" (n+1th).

The qualitative difference, then, between a "revised edition" and a "new edition" is subjective. This is analogous to the way that software publishers may call one update "version 3.7" but call the next update "version 4" instead of "version 3.8". The difference is their subjective sense of the significance of the change—that is, whether the differences constitute something very different or merely slightly different. Sometimes the distinction has more to do with marketing than with sound reasoning (that is, encouraging buyers to think that something slightly different is very different).

When a non-fiction book is first published it sometimes generates more research on the topic. The author may find that in the light of the new information the book needs to be revised and updated. The new edition will thus be different from the earlier one and will therefore be a new edition.

The second edition may not necessarily be published by the same publisher as the original. Years may pass between the two editions. Thus the new revised and updated edition is the Second Edition.

Sounds about right.

Regarding the price, the First edition could be had for under $100 when first released. A used one is on market for $700 and an original mint collectible can be had for $2,100. The lucky individual may come across one for less than that.

The Second edition was priced at $10,000, $5,000 for the pre-release purchase program.

[PuffDaddie]

There is no alternative, keep looking.

[Ginseng]

Thanks for that elaboration, Mike.

Looks like I have a first edition, unsure of the printing from this page.

Wilkey

[avaldes]

Not that they are equivalent, but Gerard's book is one of the better resources with very nice life sized pictures. Just look up Gerard Pere et Fils.

[canadianbeaver]

May I comment on the MRN book, even though no one asked? This is a gorgeous book, don't get me wrong. It does not, however, give much of the information many of us are looking for when we are seeking reference for our cigar collections.

I bought this book when I purchased a large vintage cigar collection last year. I was able to narrow down some of the cigars to the size and maybe decade. Edition one goes up to about 1994 or something like that. It is an absolute stunning coffee table book and one to look at for reference for history.

For true reference, Trevor's online site cannot be matched for early to up-to date info and it is free. A donation to contribute to its ongoing function is a good idea.

Another new great book is fellow member Amir's book, Partagas.

[Habana Mike]

Thanks for that elaboration, Mike.

Looks like I have a first edition, unsure of the printing from this page.

Wilkey

Yours is the first printing. Alas, mine is the second

While there are revisions, not much in the way of updates on cigars beyond 2002ish though.

[Habana Mike]

I would also note to the OP's question Del Tedesco has a very good book The Havana Cigar "Cuba's Finest" published in 1996 that is probably the best precursor to MRN's work.

Aside from the excellent history and description of the industry and the process of producing cigars from seed to light, along with great photography, it has a Catalogue Raisonne of all Habanos produced post-Revolution through publication as well as some defunct brands.

There is also a list of all vitolas available at the time.

While somewhat dated, it is relatively easy to find and not that expensive. I'd recommend it for anyone with an interest and passion for Habanos.

[sheppsea]

Although I would have been willing to pay for an english version of the book (but not the first edition/print), it was just really difficult to find one so I ended up finally putting my german to good use and buying one from there

[ATGroom]

I have a very dim aspiration to someday do a print version of CCW if anybody in the publishing industry would like to reach out me...

[anacostiakat]

$700.00?

Sure wish I had kept that second copy I had.

[Ginseng]

I would also note to the OP's question Del Tedesco has a very good book The Havana Cigar "Cuba's Finest" published in 1996 that is probably the best precursor to MRN's work.

Aside from the excellent history and description of the industry and the process of producing cigars from seed to light, along with great photography, it has a Catalogue Raisonne of all Habanos produced post-Revolution through publication as well as some defunct brands.

There is also a list of all vitolas available at the time.

While somewhat dated, it is relatively easy to find and not that expensive. I'd recommend it for anyone with an interest and passion for Habanos.

I can personally attest that this is an excellent book. More meaty than Gerard's.

Wilkey

[JY0]

I can personally attest that this is an excellent book. More meaty than Gerard's.

Wilkey

I just found a used copy of this book on Amazon for $9.99 including shipping.

[PigFish]

I am going to have to go with Lisa here on this one. If you want information about cigars, sizes etcera, go to Trevor's site.

Yes, I own the Dr.'s book... It is really nice and has plenty of beautiful pictures. Unfortunately, many of the cigars shown are no longer made...

As a criticism, all the whereto and what about tasting notes, the comments about aging cigars, that "This cigar will be great in 323 years..." is in my opinion a bunch of collector hogwash...

I see the book for what it is and that is a wonderful reference. Being critical, it cannot be called an encyclopedia (IMHO) as an encyclopedia is intended to contain 'factual' information. The reference material is first rate, the subjective commentary and myth creation, pure fiction.

If the price was right I would certainly buy the book (if I did not own it) don't get me wrong. But if the price is out of line for you and you want to know about cigars and sizes visit Trev's site, buy a box of cigars instead and you won't be pining over all the cigars, the great ones that you cannot find because Tabacuba decided to kill them, regardless of MRN's opinion about them...

I hope that helps! -Piggy

[OZCUBAN]

I am going to have to go with Lisa here on this one. If you want information about cigars, sizes etcera, go to Trevor's site.

Yes, I own the Dr.'s book... It is really nice and has plenty of beautiful pictures. Unfortunately, many of the cigars shown are no longer made...

As a criticism, all the whereto and what about tasting notes, the comments about aging cigars, that "This cigar will be great in 323 years..." is in my opinion a bunch of collector hogwash...

I see the book for what it is and that is a wonderful reference. Being critical, it cannot be called an encyclopedia (IMHO) as an encyclopedia is intended to contain 'factual' information. The reference material is first rate, the subjective commentary and myth creation, pure fiction.

If the price was right I would certainly buy the book (if I did not own it) don't get me wrong. But if the price is out of line for you and you want to know about cigars and sizes visit Trev's site, buy a box of cigars instead and you won't be pining over all the cigars, the great ones that you cannot find because Tabacuba decided to kill them, regardless of MRN's opinion about them...

I hope that helps! -Piggy

As always so eloquently put Ray and have to agree also with Lisa on this one,the book is gorgeous ,had a first edition once gifted it to a friend for Christmas ,have the second edition now,but to be honest I hardly ever pick it up LOL.

It should have a reprint /revised edition called The MRN Encylopedia of Discontinued Habanos .....Has more listings than the current catalogue

Cheers all