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The Book Of Gin: A Spirited World History From Alchemists' Stills And Colonial Outposts To Gin Palaces, Bathtub Gin, And Artisanal Cocktails (2012)

by Richard Barnett(Favorite Author)

3.22 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0802120431 (ISBN13: 9780802120434)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Grove Press

review 1: I've read a good number of books on the history of booze, both general and spirit specific, and this is a pretty good entry in the field. First off, if you're expecting this to be a scientific tome about distilling then you need to pass it by, and perhaps pay a tad more attention to the back cover and dust jacket copy. Like most other books in this genre, this is basically a whirlwind social history with one particular product at the center of the journey. I found it interesting, fun, and a generally informative read that didn't overstay its welcome or try to cram too much into its focus. Yes, it is occasionally dry, but in general it is pretty engaging. Furthermore, I also think some of his transitions between historical periods are a bit abrupt and sometimes unneces... moresarily confusing in terms of where gin stands in terms of public favor and perception. Lastly, if you are not a fan of gin, then you will likely have a hard time getting into this book, though that should go somewhat without saying. If you enjoy gin and history, then I definitely recommend this short, quick, and informative book.
review 2: I found the first three chapters of this book, relating to the early history of Gin in the Netherlands, the early years of Gin in England, and finally the so called Gin crazes of the 17th and 18th Centuries in England quite interesting and thought provoking. In particular, he argues for a more balanced look at the so called gin crazes, taking into account the perspectives of those who were writing the accounts we have often taken as evidence.If he had stopped there, or stayed covering European cocktail history & drinking culture, this might have been a better book.However, in the last two chapters, the author tackles the subjects of prohibition in America and American Cocktails. Strangely, he seems to be almost entirely basing his arguments on evidence gleaned from modern cultural references, fiction and movies, a tactic which while it might have been interesting on its own, but following the three more historical chapters of the book, seems odd. less

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