A History of the World in Six Glasses – Tom Standage
This is light, though not an easy read. It is literally the history of the world through the six beverages, beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and coca cola. Like the other members of our book club, I found the concept of charting history through these drinks unique and plausible. I did find it difficult to read in the beginning and must confess, if not for the book club, I would have given up half way through the first chapter on beer. I persevered, and was glad I did as it did ‘pick up’ although not greatly. I found the stories of great thinkers such as Plato coming together in Symposiums, which developed all around the world as a result of new beverages, very interesting. For me, the chapter on Tea was the most captivating. This is probably because, 1) I am a devoted tea drinker 2) The beginning of Twinnings Tea to fulfil the gap in providing women ‘access’ to the equivalent of coffee houses, was just remarakable. The different civilisations, the ‘great powers’, the (British) East India Trading Company as well as the Opium Wars, were interesting to read about through this different approach to history. It is a book that made me feel pleased that I had read it, once I had finished it.
Interesting theme – I have actually been looking for a well written book on world history. I’ve enjoyed reading your review; and I know you said you found it difficult to read at first, but I was wondering, how was it writing style wise?
Glad to see you’re back!
Anne-girl
18 February 2009 at 12:20 am
I loved it. Long beginning but a great view of the world events and how drinking was a HUGE part of everything.
Sorry about the photo taking longer than building the Roman Empire. I will get round to doing it.
Bu Yousef
18 February 2009 at 12:36 am
Anne-girl – I found his writing quite descriptive so to that end the book is effective and successful in documenting history in a unique way. I would recommend you read it for that reason. It also gathers momentum a little as you continue with it. Good luck and I’m happy you liked the review -thanks for your input
Bu Yousef- you stand by your love for this one huh
In the words of Samuel Smiles ‘Progress however, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step.’ 
Um Yousef
18 February 2009 at 7:49 pm
Good morning, Um Yousef. This sounds like a book I would only read if I were in your book group – and sometimes even there, I might have to say “I just couldn’t get into it.”
Have you discovered goodreads.com?
intlxpatr
19 February 2009 at 8:20 am
Intlxpatr-That’s the beauty of the book club
I shall check out the website – thanks
Um Yousef
20 February 2009 at 7:16 pm
does sound interesting, like sipping your tea or beer, whatever your pick, and going through history, albeit a bit slowly, i guess!
then again as you say, unless you have oddles of time at hand, you wouldnt want to drown yourself in history, unless you are a history person. and can well relate to the fact that how some books start of ‘not-all-that-engaging’ and then manage to impress you, slowly!
onlooker
3 March 2009 at 2:58 pm
Onlooker-you are right-though I am a bit of a history person so for me it was at least a unique way of looking back
thanks for your input.
Um Yousef
3 March 2009 at 3:42 pm