SIMON CHASE

The Cigar Companion is the perfect study-side guide to unlocking the delicate intricacies and delicious undertones of handmade cigars--including the history of cigars, a buyer's guide, and profiles of 70 current top brands of quality cigars complemented by full-color photographs. Much more sophisticated than their slimmer, machine-made counterparts, a good cigar offers a certain levity and celebration. Often compared with fine wine, the way that good cigar products are made and the quality of the ingredients are reflected in the flavor of the final product. The rich history of enjoying cigars has seen many changes, yet hand rolling remains a valued practice among cigar aficionados--there are just some things that machines cannot copy. The time-treasured practice of harvesting, drying, and curing the leaveshas a deep traditional background and has shown innovative developments that offer new experiences to cigar smokers. There are many different ways to make cigars, and even more ways to discern its quality once it is in the hands of the consumer. If you're curious about any aspect of cigar culture, The Cigar Companion covers: The origin story of cigarsA cigar directory of fan favoritesBest practices for buying cigarsStorage techniques for maximum preservationDirectory of reputable cigar merchants to get you startedA comprehensive directory of every brand of cigar, this book lists all the major brands, such as Havana and Dominican, as well as many lesser-known brands. Information on origin, smoking qualities, flavor and aroma, and buying and storing fine cigars is included. Consider The Cigar Companion your invitation into the fascinating world of cigars.

This national bestseller is a dramatic insider account of the world of private military contracting. Armored cars, burner phones, top-notch weaponry and top-secret missions -- this is the life of today's private military contractor. Like author Simon Chase, many PMCs were once the world's top military operatives, and since retiring from outfits like US Navy SEAL TEAM Six and the UK's Special Boat Service, they have devoted their lives to executing sensitive and hazardous missions overseas. Working at the request of U. S. and British government entities as well as for private clients, he takes on jobs that require "zero footprint," with no trace of their actions left behind. Chase delivers firsthand accounts of tracking Bin Laden in Afghanistan and being one of the first responders after the attack on the U. S. Consulate in Benghazi. We see his teams defuse terrorist bombs, guard dignitaries, and protect convoys traveling through perilous territory -- and then there are the really big jobs: top-secret "zero footprint" missions that include searching for High Value Targets and setting up arms shipping networks. The missions in Zero Footprint will shock readers, but so will the personal dangers. Chase and the men he works with operate without government backup or air rescue. If they die serving their country, they remain anonymous. There are no military honors or benefits. Contractors like Simon Chase are the unsung heroes in the war against terrorism, a strong, but largely invisible force -- until now.

An insider account of the shadowy world of private military contracting.