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)

Wonderful history lesson

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

This is the best book I have read/listen to in a long time. This is a entertaining and complete world history where each part is dedicated to the dominant drink of that era.I did not expect this book to be so detailed. A lot of research has gone into this book, and a lot of attention has been given to the storyline.The performance of the reading was also excellent.

Which scene was your favorite?

The book has a nice description of the Boston Tea Party. You relay feel that you understand the conflict in a new light.

Loved It...

Amazing to hear how history of humans and this world as we know it is shaped by our desires and exploring sprit (pun not intended :-) ) to satisfy or pleasures. So many times while listening to this book I realized how different things would have been if not for these happy accidents, politics, egos, ignorance and knowledge about the liquids in these glasses... one can already see how 7th glass has started to shape us in many parts of this world!

For a person who enjoys a drink from any of these glasses... this is a must read or listen!!!

Lots of great facts

A little dry and fact heavy, but I learned a lot from this listen. Highly recommended if you want a lot of information on these six awesome beverages.

A Beverage for All Seasons of History

As a long time connoisseur of beer, wine, spirits and tea; in addition to being a wine brewer myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While context is the spine of history, such to is also true when it comes the beverages that have influenced the course of human history. This book aptly gives voice to both. If you are interested in the history of beverages of which you consume, I highly recommend this book to you!
Cheers!

Fantastic explanation of six different drinjs

Really gained some great understanding of impact of the six different drinks that the author details.

Extremely Interesting and Well Told

This was a very well told story of human history, full of extremely interesting details, and told from a rather unique perspective.

Recommended for Anyone

This is the first book that convinced me to make a written review. A great listen for people that are interested in the ‘history of the world’ side of the book but maybe even better for the people that are more curious about the ‘6 glasses’. Both type of readers will find new information presented in a concise manner.

Fascinating!!

Thank you, Tom, for compiling so much information about the evolution of humanity in the world, at large. Wow! I cannot imagine the length of time required to amass this many facts and arrange in context. I really enjoyed this book. I need more education like this, if I am ever to catch up on missed opportunities.

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.