Malt Whisky: A Comprehensive Guide for Both Novice and Connoisseur by Nown, Graham
Malt Whisky: A Comprehensive Guide for Both Novice and Connoisseur By Graham Nown (Collectible First Edition Copy)
An Expert, Visually Stunning Survey Re-Evaluating the Distilleries, Legends, and Traditional Craft of Scotch Single Malts
An Expert, Visually Stunning Survey Re-Evaluating the Distilleries, Legends, and Traditional Craft of Scotch Single Malts
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Malt Whisky: A Comprehensive Guide for Both Novice and Connoisseur
- Author: Graham Nown
- Publisher: Smithmark Publishers, Incorporated, New York (By arrangement with Salamander Books, London)
- Publication Date: 1997
- ISBN-10: 0765193620
- ISBN-13: 9780765193629
- Edition Details: First American Edition, First Printing (Collectible Spirits Reference Release)
- Binding: Original publisher's premium hardcover cloth boards, complete with the original illustrated dust jacket, now beautifully preserved and stabilized inside a clear Cellophane archival sleeve.
- Physical Format: Large Format Quarto (4to), 128 pages. Lavishly enhanced with authentic whiskey brand labels, historical paintings, and specially commissioned color documentary photography mapping Scotland's absolute finest distilleries.
- Language: English
Official Condition Report
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The Book: Very Good Plus to Near Mint (VG+/NM)
- Exterior / Boards: The original publisher's heavy hardcover casing remains in immaculate, mint presentation format, showing pristine corners and flat edges.
- Interior: The inner hinges and binding are pristine, secure, and entirely perfect. Internal pages, color layouts, and photo plates are clean, crisp, stark white, and intact. Free from standard consumer ink inscriptions, distillery damp-warping, or dealer pencil annotations.
- Preservation: This copy has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. It is now protected with a clear Cellophane cover to keep the boards and spine pristine.
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The Dust Jacket: Very Good Plus (VG+)
- Condition: Present, complete, and unclipped. Displays only some very slight, limited signs of storage shelf friction along the corners and upper margins. Beautifully consolidated, bright, and seamlessly displayed beneath the archival Cellophane cover.
Synopsis & Distilling Value
Published in 1997 by Smithmark, Malt Whisky stands as a masterfully constructed, highly visual guide dedicated to demystifying Scotland's most iconic spirit. Written by celebrated author Graham Nown, this volume acts as a bridge for both the curious novice and the seasoned connoisseur. The book seamlessly guides the reader through the foundational mechanics of how whiskey is made—from peat bogs and copper stills to oak maturation—while explaining the strict legal distinctions that set single malts apart from blended varieties.
Rather than presenting dry production metrics, Nown re-evaluates the romance and mystery of the spirit by going behind the scenes. He features intimate, exclusive interviews with the master distillers who guide production, exploring the distinct micro-climates and geographic history of individual distilleries across the Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, and Speyside. Richly illustrated with authentic labels, classic paintings, and specially commissioned photography, this scarce volume is an essential reference guide and a cornerstone collectible for whiskey enthusiasts, home bars, and fine culinary libraries.
Author Profile: Graham Nown
Graham Nown is a highly accomplished British author, biographer, journalist, and television producer celebrated for his engaging documentation of social history, heritage industries, and luxury cultural pastimes. Renowned for his deep investigative research and accessible storytelling tone, Nown has authored numerous bestselling historical surveys and books, including definitive companion pieces for British broadcast network specials (such as The English Country House). His ability to connect with local artisans and distillers ensures that his overviews of traditional craftsmanship are grounded in authentic human narratives and authoritative archival accuracy.
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