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)

Very enjoyable book

I've been sharing with my husband all the neat facts I learned from.this book, like the workers who built the pyramids were paid in beer and coffee originated in Yemen and more. I enjoyed this history book very much.

Very knowledgeable and adds juicy information to each drink

Great narrative to explain the different history of each drink and I’ve listened to the entire book in less than 3 days

Surprisingly Interesting

I had to read this book for school and expected to be bored, but it’s actually very fascinating. It gives you a different perspective of historical events as well. You can tell the author was passionate about his work by the intricate and specific descriptions.

Entertaining but not complete

I really enjoyed this book, and thought the author did a good job, especially when recounting the origins of wine or beer, in tracing the history of these two drinks. And this book is definitely worth listening to, but my disappointment is with the incomplete nature of the book, mostly in the spirits section. Rum and whiskey are given ample time, but what about vodka's obvious influence on Russia and how did that (or did not) impact the kind of societies that developed there? Or tequila and Mexico? What about rice spirits in Asian contents, whether sake or something else? Without touching on these other topics, the work seems slanted to the obvious Western European culture, but we're missing, I assume, some wonderful histories of these drinks in these far flung cultures.

But...the stuff that's in here is nice. I just wish the author would have invested more time in a more comprehensive picture.

Who knew history could be so interesting

This book gives an interesting perspective on history, following six drinks: beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola. It's amazing to learn how these drinks played a key part in the development of civilization. They were used as currency and they caused disputes between countries (Boston Tea Party and Opium Wars). The author does a wonderful job in researching the relevant facts and explaining the popularity of the different drinks in different parts of the world, like why the English loves their tea and the American loves their cola. I also learned that coffee originated in the Arab world. As it became popular, the coffee bean was taken to other countries for cultivation, including Brazil (which is now the largest coffee producing country).

Very Satisfying Listen

Any additional comments?

I debated how to review this, but I'll put it this way: The book was exactly what I expected it would be, and I was very glad I listened. The author laid out his history and arguments compellingly and never, in my mind, overstated his claims. Every time I felt the author was telling me that one drink or another had changed the whole world, he gently stepped back and pointed out that this drink wasn't the only factor involved and that it fit into a larger picture. As a result, I never felt disbelieving or pulled out of the history.

The narrator was very competent and pleasant to listen to, clearly understandable at 2x listening speed.

I've already shared quite a lot from this book with my wife, and would recommend it as a casual and enjoyable listen to anyone.

A good book explain everyday beverages

Would you listen to A History of the World in 6 Glasses again? Why?

This books gives an excellent explanation of how beverages we all consume became important parts of our lives.

A Wonderful Perspective on History

Would you consider the audio edition of A History of the World in 6 Glasses to be better than the print version?

The story telling is wonderful, and I wish I could see maps of the locations throughout the world as they were told.

Any additional comments?

A great angle on human history, that these six drinks helped form, direct, and react to civilization and major events. Just fascinating.

The history of the world in the beverages we love.

How history and our development influenced what we drink and how our drinks have influenced our history. A new way to look at things. I had fun and learned a lot.

Interesting tie to human story

The book is engaging in it's ability to keep your attention by tying tidbits of knowledge and folklore to show how drinks helped with the rise of humanity. The infusion of multiple assides and anecdotes keep it interesting to the end.