Jump to ratings and reviews

Liquid Pleasures

Drinking has always meant much more than satisfying the thirst. Drinking can be a necessity, a comfort, an indulgence or a social activity.
Liquid Pleasures is an engrossing study of the social history of drinks in Britain from the late seventeenth century to the present. From the first cup of tea at breakfast to mid-morning coffee, to an eveining beer and a 'night-cap', John Burnett discusses individual drinks and drinking patterns which have varied not least with personal taste but also with age, gender, region and class. He shows how different ages have viewed the same drink as either demon poison or medicine.
John Burnett traces the history of what has been drunk in Britain from the 'hot beverage revolution' of the late seventeenth century - connecting drinks and related substances such as sugar to empire - right up to the 'cold drinks revolution' of the late twentieth century, examining the factors which have determined these major changes in our dietary habits.

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

John Burnett

81 books2 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1 (11%)
4 stars
5 (55%)
3 stars
2 (22%)
2 stars
1 (11%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
Profile Image for Trae Brookins.
209 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2010
It is exactly what the title says that it is. If you are looking for a general, popular non-fiction title related to the consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee, etc. there are better books of more general interest. This is a fairly academic read. If you are doing research, this book has gathered and synthesized some great data. It is limited to England of the 19th and 20th centuries primarily.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review