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)

Awesome Collective Connective Factual Trivia

What did you love best about A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
I liked best the way the author has successfully connected to natural developed connectivity with the history of mankind. Historically when, where and how our societies developed and connect. Interesting this has always worked and with the same beat is still going on today with commodities, trades, corporations, relying on access to "The Need, Want and then The Connection".

What was one of the most memorable moments of A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
I really did relish the connection with the The New England Tea Party and the connection with England,.. NOW "I" understand exactly WHY the new Colonist picked the commodity of TEA!!! to overthrow. It was to vent their anger and send it's message to England,.. since England had the monopoly on the Tea Trade, freeing England to pass taxes,in amounts only limited to the most the colonist could pay. The Young Colonist was sending Britain a message,.. They threw all of 3 ships loaded with Tea overboard that night, leaving the harbor a mess of Tea. And other colony's follow in other ports in protest as well.

What about Sean Runnette’s performance did you like?
Yes,.. I appreciated his control of the ease he connects one first fact to the next connective fact,... it's a lot like that feeling of watching a band of horse running together with one lead horse,.. naturally beautiful... easy to listen to and imagine. He isn't trying to "sell me on the facts",.. the anxiety of selling his story is not in his voice,.. instead, he eases you into the logic and circumstances of each era.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Well,.. There are several tag lines which are obvious,.. But,... if I were to think "Out The Box" for one,.. I guess it might be,..something to do with the development of mankind, our daily needs and wants,.. with always that edge of desperate need to have it all. The name must take you from ancient then to modern, only as the author would naturally do... The name or title of the book is the all encompassing first message,.. Since the book is the author's Baby,... only can it be named by Him....

Any additional comments?
Yes,.. I have always wanted a book like this one,.. even as a child I remember wishing for one,... Thank YOU,... and May God Bless,...

Interesting and enjoyable

If you like history and food/wine then you will like this book. I have no complaints about the audio performance.

A fun timeline

I found this very entertaining and learned a few things too. A great perspective on the history of Western civilization

Fascinating! Stick with it, though!

During the first hour or so, I was wondering if I had made a poor choice by getting this book, but once we got beyond the first "glass" and into the second, it got much more interesting. From that point on, the details, connections, and side notes make this a fascinating story to follow. I learned a lot of trivia about how different drinks became popular and influenced social development and history in the process.

This is not a "stretch" to force history to fit the author's title. He does not overstep the influence that each drink has or has not had. It is just another fascinating way to look at the trends of history from a new angle.

It is well told and well worth the listen!

A Good Read

I loved how the book was told from a different perspective, by drinks! It's hard to think that the basis of our society is from liquid refreshments. However, I feel as though this book could have been made more entertaining by telling it from a characters perspective rather than a pure history stand. Still a good read!

A History of The World in Six Glasses

Loved it! Was very informative and and inspiring. Five out of five stars, for sure!

This book rules

This was a overall an interesting book. I highly suggest the book to anyone that likes history ! If you don't enjoy alcohol, read this book and learn how it came to be so wide.

loved it!

so much interesting information! it made me feel connected to people in the past. would listen again!

Unique quick read, fun facts

I love historical trivia connected to the present day life. This is purely informational, no story lines or characters, like a very interesting chapter in a history book. Caveat: I am a lover of all 6 glasses discussed, so each one i found interesting. I read this book glass by glass, listening to one chapter between other books i was reading. And, with a glass (or 2 or 3) of the highlighted beverage to toast the chapter. Would make a nice gift.

Fantastic macro history

This book has great context and is a smooth listen. I highly recommend this book.