Toscani

An extraordinary match of the most beloved Italian cigar with the prestigious Florentine publisher, Alinari, which has dedicated this volume to the culture of 'old-style' smoking. TOSCANI: A Burning Passion is an elegant declaration of love for a product that has a deep-seated cultural tie, previously under-estimated, with the land in which it was born, the Tuscany of the Grand Dukes of Lorena. Equally significant were the 'sigaraie' (women workers who hand-made the cigars), who with their struggle for social and political rights, were an undeniable model of women's emancipation. This volume presents them in an Alinari image marching defiantly during the Five Days of Milan demonstrations. Along with recounting the history of the 'budding years' of tobacco in Europe, at times used for medicinal purposes, at other times accused of diabolic and corruptive properties, this volume offers a huge portrait gallery of the famous and passionate smokers of this very particular cigar. A cigar whose characteristic shape has for almost two centuries accompanied the great events of Italy's history as well as the little stories of Italy's people, an ever-present, faithful and silent friend.