The original English language version of is book was first published in January 2003.  It is a 492 page large format (305mm x 235mm) hardcover book, printed in full colour on quality paper.

A second printing of the first English language edition was published in July 2005.  There was no new information in this printing, but it did include corrections to minor errors within the first printing.

A Spanish language version, translated by José Ilario (publisher of Epicur Magazine, Spain) was released in December 2003.

A German language version, translated by Christoph Wolters, published by Rolf Schallowetz (AWM-Verlag), was released in January 2005.  It contains 520 pages and includes some additional information on later releases.

Copies of all three language versions are currently available worldwide.

This is arguably the ultimate book on post-revolutionary Havana Cigars.  It is informative, scholarly and an excellently presented reference book.  An absolute must for anyone interested in Cuban cigars.

It is clearly set out in a "dictionary" format, with colour-coded printing indicating main text, authors notes, comments by Adriano Martinez Rius (Honorary Consultant), production status etc.  It also includes the authors comments on tasting notes with particular reference to aging of cigars.

As both the 2003 publication and the 2005 reprint represent a snap-shot of the Habanos range at 2002, much of the current, discontinued and production status is out of date and (naturally) no post 2003 releases are included, but this in no way detracts from this book.

The author (Min Ron Nee, a nom-de-plume) has revealed that the original edition was somewhat of a compromise, in that some information was left out to keep the book to a manageable 500 page limit, and the publication was rushed to keep a promised deadline for the February 2003 Habanos Festival.

A fully revised second edition is currently in progress, however there is no publication deadline for this edition.  It will be completely revised with both updated and new information, will have no page limit, and will be thoroughly checked before publication.  Some of the information in the first edition will not be included in the second.

Latest advice from MRN is "probably not 2009 or 2010", so 2011 now appears to be the current best bet.  This date would enable the second edition to cover the full first 50 years of Post-Revolution cigars.

My recommendation.  Obtain a copy of the current edition before it is sold out, as it has been confirmed that it will not be reprinted.