Cigars: A Biography - The Index Private Edition
CIGARS: A Biography is the definitive tribute to the art, history, and culture of cigars, masterfully written by esteemed author and renowned cigar authority Aaron Sigmond. This deluxe private edition, commissioned exclusively for The Index and limited to just 300 copies worldwide, is a collector’s treasure that seamlessly blends luxury, history and design.
Hand-bound and presented in a handcrafted slipcase modeled after a traditional cigar case, the book features a refined linen cover with a hand-tipped image, making it as tactile and elegant as the subject it explores. It is Sigmond’s fifth work on cigars and perhaps his most ambitious — part historical narrative, part travelogue, and part luxury reference book, CIGARS: A Biography offers a richly layered experience akin to enjoying a perfectly aged cigar.
Spanning over 600 years of history, this volume takes readers on an intimate journey through the origins, legends, and enduring traditions of cigars. Sigmond draws on decades of personal experience, visiting tobacco farms, cigar factories, and the most exclusive merchants and lounges across the globe. His storytelling brims with colourful characters, fascinating details and rare insights, giving life to a world often shrouded in mystique and ritual.
The book is brought to life visually through the lens of acclaimed photographer Ian Spanier, whose collaboration with Sigmond adds depth and artistry to each page. From sunlit fields to smoke-filled salons, the photography is as evocative as the writing — capturing the sensuality and elegance that define cigar culture.
Adding further gravitas, the foreword is penned by Tom Chamberlin, editor-in-chief of The Rake, the leading publication on classic men’s style and refined living.
More than just a book, CIGARS: A Biography is an heirloom — a testament to the richness of cigar heritage and a must-have for true aficionados. Whether displayed on a coffee table or carefully archived in a private library, this limited edition volume is a journey through time, taste, and tradition, destined to become a cornerstone in the library of every passionate cigar collector.
- Handcrafted hardback volume in a Linen cigar case-inspired slipcase
- English language
- 31.75 cm x 25.5 cm
- 418 pages
- Weight: 4 kgs
- Over 225 photographs and illustrations
- Cigars: a biography The Index Private Edition is limited to 300 copies
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DELIVERY DETAILS
Same day shipping on orders placed before 2pm, Monday to Friday.
All purchases come in The Index signature green packaging complete with our white high gloss ribbon.
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FAQS
More info
All in store and online purchases will be packed in The Index signature packaging. At The Index it is our commitment to ensure that all purchases are packed to the highest standard.
Should you wish to add Humidity Control to your cigars for shipment, please select the add on at the checkout process.
Yes, as many of our cigars are aged for extended periods of time in our humidor, it is important that we consistently check and monitor the progress of our cigars. At The Index we implement rigorous processes and quality checks on a regular basis. The most important quality check we perform is on your box of cigars before they are shipped to you. We want to ensure that at all times our clients are having the highest quality product and best experience. Therefore, every box of cigars at The Index receives a final quality assurance check, complete with The Index quality assurance sticker which is signed and dated by our in-house cigar experts. For more information on our quality assurance practices, please email help@theindex.com.au
All of our products are listed in AUD.
Unfortunately not.
All orders placed via our online platform are processed within 1-2 business days.
Standard delivery
The expected estimated time for standard delivery is within 5 to 7 business days following the order placement. Shipping charges for standard delivery are complimentary on orders over $300.00 AUD.
Express Delivery
The expected estimated time for express delivery is within 2 to 4 business days following order placement. Please note that orders placed after 2:00pm or on Saturday or Sunday may not be processed until the following business day.
Cutting your cigar correctly is imperative to ensure that you have the ultimate experience enjoying your cigar. It is highly recommended that you use a purpose-built cigar cutter to cut the cap off the head of the cigar. Using instruments such as scissors or a knife to cut your cigar can jeopardise the quality as incorrect cutting can lead to the cigar unravelling. There are various cutters which you can use, to view our full selection of cutters we have available, pleaseclick here. There are many cut types which you can choose from, every option works equally the same however it is up to your personal preference. For cigar novices we recommend a guillotine straight cut.
We recommend using a cedar lined humidor to store your cigars for longevity. Cigars should be kept at a temperature between 18 and 22 degree celsius with a relative humidity between 65% and 75%. To view our entire range of relative humidity control and humidors please visit ouraccessories page.
For more information on storing your cigars correctly, please view ourCigar Storage Guidelines.
A ring gauge on a cigar indicates the diameter of the cigar. When measuring a cigar there is two commonly used dimensions being the ring gauge (diameter) and the length. These two measurements with then determine the estimated burn time of a cigar. Ring gauge is measured in 1/64th of an inch. If a cigar has a 52 ring gauge that means that the cigar diameter is 52/64 of an inch.