Tom Standage details the history of the world, from the Stone Age to the twenty-first century, through the lens of six defining beverages: beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola. For Standage, each drink is a different kind of technology, a catalyst for advancing culture by which he demonstrates the intricate interplay of different civilizations.
This book reminds me of another favorite of mine, Last Call by Daniel Okrent. That one's about Prohibition. Both books share the not-too-surprising theme that drinking is as much a part of human history as war and sex. Apparently drinking is so intertwined with our primal urges that, as A History of the World in 6 Glasses recounts, any fluctuation in the commerce of beverages has the potential to literally caused revolutions.
The 6 glasses from the title are beer, wine, spirits et al, tea, coffee and Coca-Cola. It would seem that civilization, at any point in its history, either needs a pick-me-up or is looking to take the edge off.
A very interesting book on the most common drinks in the world and how they helped to shape culture, history, politics and economies. Well written but not long winded.
Comment
Add a CommentThis book reminds me of another favorite of mine, Last Call by Daniel Okrent. That one's about Prohibition. Both books share the not-too-surprising theme that drinking is as much a part of human history as war and sex. Apparently drinking is so intertwined with our primal urges that, as A History of the World in 6 Glasses recounts, any fluctuation in the commerce of beverages has the potential to literally caused revolutions.
The 6 glasses from the title are beer, wine, spirits et al, tea, coffee and Coca-Cola. It would seem that civilization, at any point in its history, either needs a pick-me-up or is looking to take the edge off.
A very interesting book on the most common drinks in the world and how they helped to shape culture, history, politics and economies. Well written but not long winded.