Zippo by David Poore (1997, Hardcover)

Make sure you include this book in your collection of Zippos, either the first edition, or the updated second version. Best book for dating most zippos, with a huge, all be it, out of date price guide. Includes most accessories made by zippo, including fluid tins and flint holders.

My first purchase of ZIPPO THE GREAT AMERICAN LIGHTER by David Poore was because a close friend recommended it to me. He knew of my interest in the Zippo corp. and its' products and said there wasn't a more comprehensive tomb available. Since then I have read many other books about Zippo and though all have their strengths this particular book is easily in a class by itself.

After reading this book (I consider it to be more of a reference manual on americana) one begins to understand that Zippo has been in the unique position to document the realities in our daily life since its inception in 1932-33. It has done this via fantastic graphics or words shown on the 4 panels of its lighter that take us on a visual trip through epic wars, unsurpassed business growth, and increased leisure activities. This manuel documents better than any other book I've read the genious of Zippo and its founder, George Blaisdell.

David Poore also does an outstanding job of walking the reader through the process of dating their Zippo lighter and showing the various model changes that Zippo has introduced over the years. While Poore does project his thoughts on the dollar value of the lighters he writes about, the Zippo has become more of a commodity and it seems the market is determining the price of each of these snapshots of history. There are also times when Poore refers the reader to look at an illustration in his book and the picture isn't availabe. This can be a bit disconcerting but is a minor flaw when one looks at the entire scope of the manuel.

My diatribe is over. Initially i was asked to share my opinion on this book and simply stated it is: a friend asked me to find him the best book I knew of to educate him on the Zippo lighter and I purchased this one.

Regards, Jim P.