A History of the World in 6 Glasses

New York Times Bestseller * The inspiration for the TV series starring Dan Aykroyd

＂There aren’t many books this entertaining that also provide a cogent crash course in ancient, classical and modern history.＂ --Los Angeles Times

Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola: In Tom Standage’s deft, innovative account of world history, these six beverages turn out to be much more than just ways to quench thirst. They also represent six eras that span the course of civilization--from the adoption of agriculture, to the birth of cities, to the advent of globalization. A History of the World in 6 Glasses tells the story of humanity from the Stone Age to the twenty-first century through each epoch’s signature refreshment. As Standage persuasively argues, each drink is in fact a kind of technology, advancing culture and catalyzing the intricate interplay of different societies. After reading this enlightening book, you may never look at your favorite drink in quite the same way again.

Tom Standage is technology editor at The Economist magazine and the author of four history books, ＂A History of the World in Six Glasses＂ (2005), ＂The Turk＂ (2002), ＂The Neptune File＂ (2000) and ＂The Victorian Internet＂ (1998). He holds a degree in engineering and computer science from Oxford University, and is the least musical member of a musical family. He is married and lives in Greenwich, London, with his wife and daughter.