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 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.

Worth the time

Poor but palatable narration, however it is a very interesting way to look at history

Should be a highschool required reading

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

I usually only listen to action fiction, it's pretty much the only thing that keeps my attention. Thought I would take a chance with this book. I was not disappointed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A History of the World in 6 Glasses?

Hearing how far CocaCola reaches.

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

no

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

Well worth the listen.

Interesting but dry

What did you like best about A History of the World in 6 Glasses? What did you like least?

I loved learning about the birth of each drink, and not only the birth but the sometimes huge impacts on history each one has had. I was disapointed though that the author wouldn't follow up with a drink. For examle the story starts with beer and moves up through time from there stopping once wine takes over, but I wish he would go back and talk about beer in other times in history not just its birth.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Sean Runnette?

This is the first book I've listened to by Runnette and I though his narration was dry but I have a feeling the narration followed the writing.

Interesting Perspective

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

This is a good book to listen to - as it gives an interesting history lesson using beverages as the yardstick. People can relate to all the beverages discussed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

What does Sean Runnette bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Very good narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Wanted to finish the book.

Thoroughly enjoyed!

I am a history buff and love all kinds of historical facts. I found this book very fascinating! It is a completely unique take on history and I learned many things that I didn't know!