Tuesday, October 18, 2005

The Drinks Heard 'Round the World

I was happy to note a new book available which shows the liquids we consume throughout the world and in nearly every home are truly benchmarks of civilization itself. Obviously, I have a love for the dark brown brew of coffee and how the marvelous elixir is the most healthful drink imaginable.

It's too easy to forget that the discoveries of past generations fill our lives today. Reading history is rarely an empty experience. While this book is light-hearted, it does highlight that what we drink and eat can provide an enormous entry-point for historical discovery.

The new book "A History of the World in 6 Glasses" by Tom Standage is highlighted in this National Geographic article. This story stretches from the ancient Sumerian world to America's cola drinks. As for coffee itself, here is just a sample sentence:

"
Coffee also fuelled commerce and had strong links to the rituals of business that remain to the present day. Lloyds of London and the London Stock Exchange were both originally coffeehouses."

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