A History Of The World In 6 Glasses Summary

A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is not the typical history read that one might expect. To some who find reading history books quite tedious and overwhelming, this book is for you. Standage divides his book into 6 main sections via beverages: Beer, Wine, Spirits, Coffee, Tea and Coca-Cola. These drinks, which all started as a form of medicine, not only have great affects on today’s social culture but have also affected the historical spread of technology, religion, exploration, trade, slavery, and noteworthy worldwide events that changed society. As Standage describes it, Beer was a representation of both liquid wealth and health during the early civilizations in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Working people were often paid in beer. Water, which was made people sick due to the contents in it, was replaced with beer as a healthier option. Standage argues that beer was the start of social civilization in that it was

This could be very disappointing to most history lovers who are anticipating new knowledge and analysis, which lacks in his writing. What was disappointing is that Standage fails to include drinks from various parts around the world. If this was his intention, he should have titled the book, “A History of Western Civilization in 6 Glasses.” Standage also fails to describe the full evolution of each drink and its own personal history. When talking about beer, for example, it was discouraging that he doesn’t mention Germany like one would hope or expect to learn more about. Overall, A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is a relatively small but interesting historical read. It brings light to the importance and influence that these drinks had on so many aspects of civilization. They helped spread religion, trade, technology, exploration, and numerous significant events that help define our world as we know it