From the origins of drinking to the use and abuse of alcohol in the present day, Alcohol in World History combines archaeological evidence with historical case studies to produce a fascinating exploration of drink and its cultural meanings in contemporary society

From the origins of drinking to the use and abuse of alcohol in the present day, this global historical study draws on approaches and research from biology, anthropology, sociology and psychology. Topics covered include:

• the impact of colonialism
• alcohol before the world economy
• industrialization and alcohol
• globalization, consumer society, and alcohol.

Gina Hames argues that the production, trade, consumption, and regulation of alcohol have shaped virtually every civilization...