Description
A Cultural History of Alcohol
Alcohol has shaped Western civilization since the dawn of humanity. Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol by Iain Gately provides a comprehensive examination of mankind's complex relationship with this influential substance, tracing its impact from ancient Egypt through modern times.
Historical Scope and Coverage
This book investigates alcohol as a fundamental component of cultural development, documenting how drinking has influenced societies across millennia. Gately explores the dual nature of alcohol—both beneficial and destructive—and its undeniable role in shaping human history.
The narrative covers alcohol's contribution to the birth and growth of the United States, including detailed accounts of the War of Independence, the Pennsylvania Whiskey Revolt, connections to the slave trade, and the social experiment of national Prohibition. These historical events demonstrate how deeply intertwined alcohol has been with political movements, economic systems, and social change.
World's Most Famous Drinks and Drinkers
Drink provides histories of the world's most celebrated alcoholic beverages alongside profiles of history's most notable drinkers. The book combines rigorous historical research with engaging trivia and colorful characters, creating an accessible yet informative reading experience.
Author Credentials
Iain Gately, author of Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization, brings his expertise in cultural history to this examination of alcohol. Raised in Hong Kong, Gately studied law at Cambridge University and worked in London's financial markets before pursuing his writing career.
Book Details
Published by Avery Publishing Group in paperback format, this educational volume serves as both a scholarly resource and an engaging read for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and anyone interested in understanding how alcohol has influenced Western civilization. The book's interdisciplinary approach combines social history, cultural studies, and beverage history into a cohesive narrative.
Whether you're a spirits enthusiast, history student, or simply curious about the role of drinking in human society, Drink offers an intoxicating journey through the ages, revealing how this Jekyll and Hyde of fluids has left an indelible mark on our world.
About the Author
Iain Gately is the author of Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization. Raised in Hong Kong, he studied law at Cambridge University and worked in the financial markets of London, where he currently lives.