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Drinking has always meant much more than satisfying the thirst. Drinking can be a necessity, a comfort, an indulgence or a social activity.
Liquid Pleasures is an engrossing study of the social history of drinks in Britain from the late seventeenth century to the present. From the first cup of tea at breakfast to mid-morning coffee, to an eveining beer and a 'night-cap', John Burnett discusses individual drinks and drinking patterns which have varied not least with personal taste but also with age, gender, region and class. He shows how different ages have viewed the same drink as either demon poison or medicine.
John Burnett traces the history of what has been drunk in Britain from the 'hot beverage revolution' of the late seventeenth century - connecting drinks and related substances such as sugar to empire - right up to the 'cold drinks revolution' of the late twentieth century, examining the factors which have determined these major changes in our dietary habits.
List of contents
Introduction; Chapter 1 Water: ‘The most useful and necessary part of the creation’*Charles Lucas, Essay on Waters, 1756, vol. 1, 81; Chapter 2 Milk: ‘No finer investment’?; Chapter 3 Tea: the cup that cheers; Chapter 4 Coffee: ‘I like coffee, I like tea …’*The Ink Spots, 1935; Chapter 5 Soft drinks: from cordial waters to Coca-Cola; Chapter 6 Beer: ‘A moral species of beverage’*Lord Brougham, 1830; Chapter 7 Wine: ‘Use a little wine …’; Chapter 8 Spirits: ‘Water of Life’; conspectus Conspectus;
About the author
John Burnett is Emeritus Professor of History at Brunel University. His many books include Idle Hands (1994), Useful Toil (1994) and A Social History of Housing (1986).
Summary
Liquid Pleasures is an engrossing study of the social history of drinks in Britain from the late 17th century to the present. Connecting drinks and related substances to empire as well, the book also covers the drinks revolution of the 1990s.
