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.
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.
"A meticulously researched exploration of cigars as a reflection of American history, politics, and economy. The connections between power, industry, and culture are masterfully woven together, making this an essential read for history lovers."
- Historian Review
"A captivating journey through history, culture, and craftsmanship. This book is about much more than cigars-it's about the American experience. Engaging, deeply researched, and beautifully written, it's a must-read for anyone curious about tradition and innovation in industry."
- Reader Review
"A must-have for any cigar aficionado. This book expertly traces the rise of the industry, the influence of regulation, and the craftsmanship behind premium cigars. If you appreciate fine tobacco, this belongs on your shelf."
- A Review by a Cigar Aficionado
Sebastian Saviano is a researcher, author, and entrepreneur whose work explores the intersections of American history, culture, labor, and industry. His research focuses on the ways in which everyday products-like cigars-embody broader struggles over identity, class, race, and nationhood.His passion for uncovering overlooked narratives led to "America's Cigar Story: The History, Politics, and Legacy of Cigars from 1762 to the Modern Era." This deeply researched work traces the rise and fall of the U.S. cigar industry, from artisan workshops to factory floors, weaving together stories of immigration, organized labor, marketing, war, and cultural change.Saviano continues this exploration in "Smoke & Oak: The Shared Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars - An American Story of Craft, Culture & the Science of a Perfect Pairing," which examines how two iconic industries became intertwined symbols of American craftsmanship and ritual.His forthcoming book, "The Allegiance Paradox: Beyond the Law - How Ethical Erosion and Policy Drift Undermine American Citizenship," turns to the legal and political realm, challenging assumptions about civic loyalty in an age of dual citizenship, global migration, and commodified identity.Saviano holds advanced research training in political science and economics from Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, and East Carolina University, and has taught at the university level. He is also the founder and CEO of The American Cigar Co., where he curates heritage-driven cigar lines rooted in American-grown tobaccos and historical craftsmanship.Through his work in publishing and the premium cigar industry, Saviano is dedicated to preserving, interrogating, and reimagining America's cultural and political legacies for future generations.
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