A History of the World in 6 Glasses

By: Tom Standage

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Throughout human history, certain drinks have done much more than just quench thirst. As Tom Standage relates with authority and charm, six of them have had a surprisingly pervasive influence on the course of history, becoming the defining drink during a pivotal historical period.

A History of the World in 6 Glasses tells the story of humanity from the Stone Age to the 21st century through the lens of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola. Beer was first made in the Fertile Crescent and by 3000 B.C.E. was so important to Mesopotamia and Egypt that it was used to pay wages. In ancient Greece, wine became the main export of her vast seaborne trade, helping spread Greek culture abroad. Spirits such as brandy and rum fueled the Age of Exploration, fortifying seamen on long voyages and oiling the pernicious slave trade. Although coffee originated in the Arab world, it stoked revolutionary thought in Europe during the Age of Reason, when coffeehouses became centers of intellectual exchange. And hundreds of years after the Chinese began drinking tea, it became especially popular in Britain, with far-reaching effects on British foreign policy. Finally, though carbonated drinks were invented in 18th-century Europe, they became a 20th-century phenomenon, and Coca-Cola in particular is the leading symbol of globalization.

For Tom Standage, each drink is a different kind of technology, a catalyst for advancing culture by which he demonstrates the intricate interplay of different civilizations. You may never look at your favorite beverage the same way again.

©2005 Tom Standage (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Standage starts with a bold hypothesis - that each epoch, from the Stone Age to the present, has had its signature beverage - and takes readers on an extraordinary trip through world history." ( Publishers Weekly)

sort of interesting

The history is interesting, but the premise does not hold up. It is probably worth it to listen to the book to learn about different things in history. However, the premise and even most of the stories are over sold. The author presents these drinks are made the center of civilization rather than an interesting part of periods.

Supper Interesting

The writer puts just enough information to keep it interesting but also didn’t get bogged down. I’d highly recommend it.

Coffee, tea & cola were the most interesting

Perhaps because the origins had more actual source material, I found the final three beverages more interesting to hear about.

Fantastic Trip Through History

This was fascinating from start to finish! The role these drinks played throughout history is nothing short of astonishing. It's very well written and read, I heartily recommend this to anyone and everyone.

Fascinating & fun journey through history

What made the experience of listening to A History of the World in 6 Glasses the most enjoyable?

What a fascinating book! Standage uses 6 major beverages as a hook to explain much of human history. Not only does he describe the history of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea & Coke, but he goes into how each of these sparked & fueled movements that changed the world. This is a refreshing alternative to boring history books that focus on names and dates. The book is extremely well written; I loved the audio version read by an excellent narrator. If you like any or all of these beverages & would like to understand their role in human history, read this book!

Great for a long car ride

It's rare to find non-fiction that will hold both my and my husband's attention without the book being too long to finish over a weekend trip. This book was entertaining and engaging, and, at less than 8 hours, it was feasible to finish on our car ride.

A fun view of history

Where does A History of the World in 6 Glasses rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is in a category of its own.

What other book might you compare A History of the World in 6 Glasses to and why?

It is similar to Big History but a little more focused.

Have you listened to any of Sean Runnette’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am not sure if I have listened to any of his other performances before.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really

Any additional comments?

It is a fun way to look at history. It is not your typical droning history book.

Great history and narration.

Just enough detail to be interesting but not enough to bore. Left me wanting more. Would recommend.

More than I expected

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

You should enjoy history books, but even if you don't, this is a very interesting book that is both compelling and informative.This story was well reviewed, but even then it was a well crafted "history" book that brings the context of various beverages into highly interesting context. I guess that it would be all too easy for the author to claim that all of the world is ruled by what they drink. But care is taken not to go over the top on that claim.

What did you like best about this story?

I think that the construction of the story is very much like a novel. Three alcoholic beverages followed by three caffeine containing beverages was interesting. The volume of alcohol routinely consumed by early man - probably a life saver from a public health perspective given early sanitary conditions - was staggering and revealing. Was the age of enlightenment and industrial revolution fueled by caffeine? Some of the historical speculation is just fascinating.

Which character – as performed by Sean Runnette – was your favorite?

There are no real "characters" in this book. It is a book of facts well woven into an interesting theme.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really an applicable question for this book. It is a solid "story" from start to finish.

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me

Would you try another book from Tom Standage and/or Sean Runnette?

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me to say more, I will give you this tripe.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me to say more, I will give you this tripe.

What three words best describe Sean Runnette’s voice?

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me to say more, I will give you this tripe.

Could you see A History of the World in 6 Glasses being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me to say more, I will give you this tripe.

Any additional comments?

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me to say more, I will give you this tripe.