72 pages • 2 hours read
Tom StandageA History of the World in 6 Glasses
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage traces the emergence of six different beverages—beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola—and their roles in human history and culture from ancient Mesopotamia to contemporary America. Standage highlights the continuity and changes in our approach to drinks and drinking and their association with significant social, political, and economic developments. The book explores early uses of beer and wine, the impact of spirits on colonialism and independence movements, the intellectual role of coffeehouses, tea's influence on the British Empire, and Coca-Cola's symbolism of American values, concluding with reflections on water and global disparities in access to safe drinking water. Topics include colonialism, slavery, and societal exploitation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tom Standage's A History of the World in 6 Glasses offers an engaging, well-researched exploration of history through the lens of six beverages. Critics praise its informative narrative and unique perspective. However, some readers find the content occasionally shallow and overly simplified. Overall, it's considered a thought-provoking read for history enthusiasts.
Who Should Read A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
A reader who enjoys A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is fascinated by the intersection of history and culture, particularly through everyday objects. Similar to fans of Mark Kurlansky’s Salt and Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel, they appreciate engaging narratives that reveal historical insights through lenses of food and drink.