Briar Books Ben Rapaport, one of PipeSMOKE's esteemed contributors, has written a book that belongs on the shelf or coffee table of every collector of tobacco related art objects. In large format, beautifully printed, bound, and copiously illustrated, Collecting Antique Meerschaum Pipes (Schiffer) has a short but definitive introductory text, a pricing guide, and many full color plates of some of the most exquisitely wrought, carved meerschaum pipes and cigar holders, most from the latter part of the 19th century. Rapaport, an acknowledged authority on the subject, with several books and lots of articles to his credit, says that antique meerschaum is the "blue-chip stock of tobacco collectibles." The book is a pleasure to read or browse through. List priced at $49.95, it is available from the publisher, (610) 593 1777, fax (610) 593 2002; or autographed by the author, from Antiquarian Tobacciana, (703) 435-8133 (evenings only). Joining Rapaport's tome on the bookshelves of pipesmokers in the know are two diminutive but no less essential entries. Penned by Charlestown, South Carolina-based Mark Beale, M.D., Secrets of Enjoyable Pipe Smoking is a handy little paperback that features chapters on selecting, cleaning, and collecting pipes, choosing tobacco, and health tips. "It seems there were pamphlets about pipes, and then expensive hardcover books," comments the author, a 36-year old psychiatrist and third-generation pipe smoker. "I wanted to create something in between - a concise but detailed book for someone just discovering the pipe pastime." The self-published book sells for $9.95, plus $3 shipping. Call (843) 856-3146. Also self-published, John C. Loring's The Dunhill Briar Pipe includes everything you'd ever wanted to know about the classic Dunhill pipe, from its inception in 1905 to the present day. What makes Loring's effort unique is its dating guide, which might not help you woo the women you take out, but will assist you in figuring out when an undated pipe was constructed. Registering 88 pages, The Dunhill Briar Pipe is available for $20 from: John Loring, 700 Irving Park, Suite A-1, Chicago, IL 60613; e-mail: levlor@starnetinc.com.

Let There Be Light Prometheus International, a California-based manufacturer of pipe and cigar accessories, recently introduced the Araphao, a revolutionary new pipe lighter. An electronic unit, the Araphao features a built-in tamper and pipe cleaner, and is available in six finishes: silver, gold, gunmetal, black matte, black lacquer, and brown marble.

Fancy Filters TTom Cristiano, master pipemaker and distributor of Calabresi and Cristiano pipes, has just patented a clever but simple device that converts tenon diameter from 9 mm for use of an activated-charcoal filter, to 6 mm for paper or balsa (as in the Savinelli convertible system), or to the standard 3.5 - 4.0 mm, with no filter. The smoker can shift gears at will, while using a single pipe. This is clearly a great idea whose time has come. Look for Calabresi and Cristiano pipes at your favorite tobacco retailer.