A History of the World in 6 Glasses

By Tom Standage

Did you know that democracy was invented over a glass of wine? Or that brandy was once called the “water of life”? Or that distilled drinks helped the early settlers of America establish themselves as rulers of the New World? According to Tom Standage, the “flow of history” of human civilization can be told through the stories of a few important beverages: beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca Cola.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good cup of coffee. But I will never be able to look at these beverage the same way again after reading this book. Standage presents coffee as the catalyst for such ideas as the stock exchange and the French Revolution.

This book explores what it has meant to be human over thousands of years. From the Age of Reason to the Era of Globalization, drinks have played a central role in changing the way people live.

Join us to discuss this book at our next Nature’s Narratives Book Discussion Group on Wednesday, January 30 at 5:30 in the Wister Center. Coffee and Tea will be served.