Burlington Public Library

Throughout human history, certain drinks have done much more than just quench thirst. As Standage relates with authority and charm, six of them have had a surprisingly pervasive influence on the course of history during pivotal epochs - from humankind's adoption of agriculture and the birth of cities to the advent of globalization.

A history of alcohol examines its many forms, including cocktails, medicine, and as a religious symbol, revealing a liquid that has the power to either provide supreme pleasure or utter destruction.

Chronicles how humans have obtained food through the ages, from hunting to harvesting and explores how food is preserved, processed, and flavored, and the different types of foods people eat around the world. Also includes review questions and a glossary.

Amy Stewart explores the dizzying array of herbs, flowers, trees, fruits, and fungi that humans have, through ingenuity, inspiration, and sheer desperation, contrived to transform into alcohol over the centuries.