America's Cigar Story - by Sebastian Saviano (Hardcover)

About the Book

The definitive history of cigars in America, from 1762 to today-covering its birth, labor movements, and the Cuban Embargo. Includes 15 black-and-white and color illustrations.

Book Synopsis

For over 250 years, cigars have shaped American history, industry, and culture. From the colonial tobacco fields to the smoke-filled rooms of political power, cigars have been a symbol of craftsmanship, resilience, and status.

America's Cigar Story is the definitive history of cigars in the United States-a fascinating journey through time that explores their impact on business, labor, politics, and popular culture. From Lt. Col. Israel Putnam's introduction of Cuban tobacco in 1762 to the rise of cigar-making hubs in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, this book uncovers the untold stories of the workers, immigrants, and entrepreneurs who built the industry.

Discover how cigars shaped the economy and political landscape, from Civil War battlefields to the presidential offices of JFK. Learn how the Cuban Embargo transformed global tobacco markets, why the 1990s saw an unexpected cigar boom, and how modern boutique brands are redefining tradition today.

Inside, you'll explore:

- The labor struggles of Black and immigrant cigar rollers in 19th-century factories.

- The role of cigars in diplomacy, political deals, and the rise of the "smoke-filled room."

- How Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras became cigar powerhouses after the Cuban Embargo.

- The modern resurgence of premium cigars, fueled by Hollywood, luxury branding, and craft tobacco innovation.

Whether you're a cigar aficionado, a history buff, or simply curious about America's evolving industries, this book offers a rich and engaging look at an enduring legacy. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, America's Cigar Story brings to life the people, events, and innovations that shaped one of America's most iconic traditions.

Review Quotes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Readers' Favorite

Review: America's Cigar Story by Sebastian Saviano chronicles the detailed evolution of the cigar industry from early colonial times to the modern era. Saviano tracks tobacco's introduction and its economic reliance on enslaved and immigrant labor, noting key figures like John Rolfe and Israel Putnam. He explores industrialization, mechanization, and labor struggles, including child labor and union resistance. Saviano narrates the westward spread of cigar culture, its adoption across social classes, and its political and diplomatic symbolism. He addresses the Cuban embargo's impact-spurring innovation in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic-and continues through the 1990s cigar boom, celebrity endorsements, and a renaissance of boutique craftsmanship.

Saviano also delves into modern technological advances, recent regulatory battles, and the implications of the 2025 FDA ruling, while portraying the industry's ongoing global expansion, artisanal revival, and future focus on sustainability and personalization.

America's Cigar Story: The History, Politics, and Legacy of Cigars from 1762 to the Modern Era is a polished and informative account of cigar culture's evolution. The language masterfully blends technical depth with readability-whether describing boutique producers' use of Kentucky tobacco or innovations like bourbon barrel aging. I especially appreciated the discussion of cigar lounges as hubs of craftsmanship and connection, and the well-contextualized insight into China's growing influence in the cigar world. With a strong structure and a voice of authority, Saviano maintains an engaging and focused tone throughout.

Very highly recommended.

- Jamie Michele, Readers' Favorite