A Short History of Drunkenness: How, Why, Where, and When Humankind Has Gotten Merry from the Stone Age to the Present Hardcover – May 8, 2018

There should be a six star option for books this good. Hilarious, informative, quick read. I’ve recommended it to approximately 50 people so far, not including the MULTIPLE posts I made about how good it was on social media. And not like, “Hey, this book is good. You should check it out.” Like, grabbing people by the shoulders, looking them deep in the eyes, and telling them they must read this book that second. My only complaint is I wish it was longer.

The stories are really entertaining.

I enjoyed this book immensely and, despite the fact I am a very slow reader, I finished it in two or three sittings. It is not a five-star work of great literature that will be assigned to future college freshmen (okay - maybe it will be assigned in some history classes). Anyway, the writing is tight and witty. So, crack open a few cold ones, sit back, and enjoy the read.

I purchased this book because of the information regarding the Symposion of the ancient Greeks. I wish it had more footnotes to better articulate the sources, but the narrative of each chapter is a hoot. The entire book is humorous, witty and brings cheer (every pun intended) to the most naughty escapades of drink. It was such a good read, it prevented me from refilling my glass. I recommend it.

I bought this book for some research for an article I am writing I and found it to be a neat little book that was engaging and well worth reading.The author chooses various societies and cultures within history and examines the role of alcohol and drinking within those societies and cultures. I found this made for some very interesting reading.If you are interested in the history of alcohol consumption across time, this book will be a good starting point for you. Or if you need a distraction from the grind of the day, this book will serve as a great enlightening distraction for you.Whichever purpose serves you best, for me, I really enjoyed reading this book.

The book can be amusing at times as Forsyth presents a tongue-in-cheek view of drinking. But it quickly becomes clear that the history he presents is often simplified and told more to be humorous than to be accurate. At times he is completely wrong. He says that during prohibition, there were no legitimate distilleries. In fact, there were 6 distilleries that were licensed by the government to produce medicinal whiskey and other liquor. Fact-checking other stories he tells present similar problems. Knowing that you couldn't always trust the information he was presenting lessened the enjoyment of the book for me.

I have read most of Mark Forsyth's publications and this one does not deviate from his usual charm and rampant witticisms. Some have tried to argue that this particular volume is juvenile, however, when discussing the history of getting sloshed a certain degree of license must be offered. In just 231 pages, Forsyth sends us on a journey which begins in Prehistory and reaches its terminus in the Prohibition Era. The median chapters cover a number of fan favourites such as: Egypt, the Vikings, Greco-Rome, and the Wild West. This is truly a fun read, so grab your preferred catalyst of inebriation and set sail on a sojourn of drunkenness!

Forsyth writes in a very tongue-in-cheek manner. A book that's part history, part trivia and a generous amount of humor. As an American I especially appreciated his description of what an old west saloon was really like.

Das englische Wort beschreibt es am besten. Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Entschuldigung für unsere Neigung zum Alkohol. It was the evolution, stupid! Danke dafür. Und Prost!

Better than Forsyth's other works, which always come across as too smart (to me). This is packed with interesting information about the role of alcohol in world history across many cultures. Some of this is quite detailed - like the distinction between Taverns, Inns and Alehouses.Easy to read, witty, enlightening and in short sections. Ideal travel reading.The only thing missing is a suggested drink to go with each chapter.

Hilarious and informative narration of drunkenness through the ages and across the continents. Would make you look very knowledgeable at parties.

Voy por la mitad y me está encantando. Cantidad de datos curiosos contados con humor, bien escrito, fácil de leer.Un libro muy recomendable.

I ordered this book as a gift and I was highly disappointed about the condition it arrived: pretty used, dirty and even with some greasy fingerprints on it and damaged cover and of course without foil...Definitely not gifting that one to my friend...