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Books: The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker

Product Number: 001-119-0063

Penned by acclaimed author, blogger, and pipe enthusiast Mark Irwin, The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker is a loving tribute to pipe lore, culture, and spiritual practice. A globe-spanning adventure composed of seven spellbinding tales across time, this book seamlessly blends history and fiction, telling the story of two pipemen on a quest to learn about a miraculous pipe in the Vatican Secret Archives. The underlying philosophy of this book is mystagogy, meaning "to lead through the mysteries," written for those who are looking for something further beyond introductory pipe practice. Driven by Mark Irwin's whimsical writing style and extensive pipe knowledge, this book is designed to provide both a fun and thought-provoking narrative experience for pipe smokers to enjoy.

Books The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker
Books The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker

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Customer Reviews
Overall Rating:
4.8
3 reviews
Thought provoking, and a bit of Fun!
January 04, 2025
By: Mike B.
Product: Books The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker
I love buying books, but am quite frugal, usually searching for best prices on used books. I hesitated at $28 for a single book from an unknown (to me) author, but eventually pulled the trigger, as this was the only option. Well I’m not even half way through, the $28 is long gone and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read so far. The book is well written and engaging, with stories and topics varied enough to keep the reader looking forward to what’s next. The opening story, ‘The Christmas Pipe’, was a warming story and was reminiscent somehow, to me, of Kipling’s ‘In the Interests of the Brethren’ (most likely for the simple reason that they both center on men gathering together and tobacco, but the tone is similar). If you are on the fence about this book, just go ahead and buy it. Our interest is niche and it’ll feel good to support the hobby and have it on the shelf. And even better, you’ll get a lot out of reading it....Read More
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A piper's must read!
June 10, 2024
By: Charles C.
Product: Books The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker
Irwin weaves his quirky and sometimes tongue-in-cheek humor with a well thought out genre on pipe smoking that every piper would enjoy. Irwin splices fun facts and pipe antidotes in this work of fiction making this story fun and entertaining. I highly recommend every piper new and experienced to read it. I came away with a richer understanding of my pipe journey and Irwin gave nuggets to think about I've never thought before...things that stay with you. "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant - Success in Circuit lies - Emily Dickinson...Read More
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3
A wild ride indeed!
June 02, 2024
By: Stuart W.
Product: Books The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker
I have recently completed reading “The X Pipe” by Mark Irwin a work that showcases his most eclectic knowledge and unique writing style. The second chapter on the ‘Five Laws of Pipe Companioning’ alone is a fascinating study on the differences of Collecting and Companioning pipes and is worthy of the price of admission into Mark’s pipe filled world. One of my most memorable and appreciated scenes is in this chapter set in Geneva, and I must say that through Mark’s descriptions and the character’s interactions I could easily imagine being a ‘fly on the wall”. I vividly imagined the blue airborne haze of their fine tobacco, the astringent yet sweet notes of their European coffee and the conversations and dissertations which were as sweet, to my ear, as a mature Virginia tobacco to my palate. The ‘Mystagogy’ itself was a pure work of art, a catechesis for the “Thinking Man”, an allegory based on the “pipe smoakers” symbols. A well done and inspired work, I would dare to say. If that was not enough within the 345 pages there are Appendices on subjects as diverse as “Smoakers Prayers and Collects”, to discussion on reducing risks of pipe smoking and, why not - Emily Dickinson’s Black Cake recipe! Highly recommended to those “Thinking pipe smoakers” who wish to immerse oneself into Mark’s allegoric and stimulating work....Read More
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