Book Review Ruth Ball Rough Spirits And High Society

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2017 - British Library Press Lavishly illustrated history of British drinking traditions, including tea and coffee as well a beer, wine, pubs and taverns. A big looking book, but quick to read with it large newspaper columned text and photos / painting reproductions. It is also very informative. The earliest alcohol related archeology dates to 7,000 BC China. The Aztecs believed the 400 different states of drunkeness were embodied in the 400 rabbit gods. (I think I've met most of them). There are the remains of 118 inns and taverns in the ruins of Pompeii. British monasteries served wine to travelers, but this ended with Henry 8th's Reformation destroying most monasteries. The book close in the 19th century as the transport and storage of beers became more effiecent and major breweries took more control of the pubs. A very informative book.