"Standage's bright idea really is bright: a book that divides world history into beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and Coca-Cola Ages. His book is loaded with the kind of data that get talked about at the figurative water cooler . . . Incisive, illuminating and swift." --Janet Maslin, New York Times
"A zippy narrative . . . [Standage] uses something mundane and everyday to tell vivid and accessible stories about the changing textures of human life." --
Steven Shapin, The New Yorker "Tom Standage's highly enjoyable chronicle of six beverages that have shaped human destiny is as refreshing as a cool glass of beer on a hot day and as stimulating as that first cup of coffee in the morning . . . There aren't many books this entertaining that also provide a cogent crash course in ancient, classical and modern history . . . In breezy, but unfailingly intelligent prose . . . the author underpins provocative cultural commentary with solid economic and political information." --
Wendy Smith, Los Angeles Times "Spirited arguments-mixed with more than a splash of historical evidence-present a cogent case for how civilization has evolved through millennia of sippage . . . Standage stirs up a fun and engaging romp without spilling a drop." --
Wired "A clever, tight retelling of human history . . . Standage's writing flows like water: crisp, clear, and deceptively simple. Foodies and readers fond of quirky cultural histories will enjoy this book." --
The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) "An easy and agreeable read, never seeming discursive or unwieldy, despite the vast amount of ground it covers. I'll happily raise my glass to that." --
Yiling Chen-Josephson, Newsday "Standage has a talent for compressing and enlivening arcane material . . . A clever way of pulling together many of the main points of world history around the technology and commerce of drink . . . An enjoyable and enlightening book, so drink up!" --
The American Scholar "Memorable facts . . . abound in Tom Standage's delightful
A History of the World in 6 Glasses." --
Jeffrey Tannenbaum, Bloomberg.com "Ingenious . . . Combines a lively writing style with a wonderful collection of anecdotes. [Standage's] book sparkles like champagne." --
Montreal Gazette "Standage's historical division works fantastically well. His history of the technology and culture of quenching our thirst is a thought-provoking look at what we drink today and how it offers insight into our past." --
Toronto Star "An extraordinary trip through world history. [Standage] has the ability to connect the smallest detail to the big picture and a knack for summarizing vast concepts in a few sentences." --
Publishers Weekly (starred review) "History, along with a bit of technology, etymology, chemistry and bibulous entertainment. Bottoms up!" --
Kirkus Reviews
