Vodka [electronic resource] : a global history / Patricia Herlihy.

ISBN:

9781861899545

Title:

Author:

Herlihy, Patricia

Personal Author:

Herlihy, Patricia

Publication Information:

London : Reaktion Books, 2012.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (167 p.)

Series:

RB-Edible

General Note:

Description based upon print version of record.

Contents:

Volcano Cover; Imprint page; Contents; Introduction: Vodka's Intrinsic Appeal; 1. Making Vodka; 2. Not Just for Drinking; 3. Vodka the Terrible; 4. Origins; 5. Vodka and the Tsars; 6. The Soviets and Vodka; 7. Vodka Invades the United States; 8. Brands, Bottles and Boutiques: Vodka Diversifies; 9. Vodka, Inc.: Vodka as a Global Business; 10. Market Prospects; 11. Vodka's Future; Recipes; Vodka Around the World; Bibliography; Websites and Associations; Acknowledgements; Photo Acknowledgements; Index

Subject Term:

Vodka -- History.

Vodka industry -- History.

Format:

Electronic Resources

Electronic Access:

Click here to view book

Publication Date:

2012

Publication Information:

London : Reaktion Books, 2012.

Available:*

Shelf Number	Material Type	Copy	Shelf Location	Status
641.25 HER	1:E-BOOK	1	1:ONLINE	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

Vodka is the most versatile of spirits. While people in Eastern Europe and the Baltic often drink it neat, swallowing it in one gulp, others use it in cocktails and mixed drinks--bloody marys, screwdrivers, white russians, and Jell-O shots--or mix it with tonic water or ginger beer to create a refreshing drink. Vodka manufacturers even infuse it with flavors ranging from lemon and strawberry to chocolate, bubble gum, and bacon. Created by distilling fermented grains, potatoes, beets, or other vegetables, this colorless, tasteless, and odorless liquor has been enjoyed by both the rich and the poor throughout its existence, but it has also endured many obstacles along its way to global popularity.

In this book, Patricia Herlihy takes us for a ride through vodka's history, from its mysterious origins in a Slavic country in the fourteenth century to its current transatlantic reign over Europe and North America. She reveals how it continued to flourish despite hurdles like American Prohibition and being banned in Russia on the eve of World War I. On its way to global domination, vodka became ingrained in Eastern European culture, especially in Russia, where standards in vodka production were first set. Illustrated with photographs, paintings, and graphic art, Vodka will catch the eye of any reader intrigued by how "potato juice" became an international industry.

Author Notes

Patricia Herlihy is emeritus professor of history at Brown University and the Louise Doherty Wyant Professor at Emmanuel College, Boston.

Reviews (1)

Library Journal Review

Each of the approximately 30 books in "The Edible Series" presents an exploration of the history and cultural impact of a variety of foods and beverages, such as pizza, curry, apples, and even pancakes. The latest three volumes in the series focus on gin, rum, and vodka, supplementing one on cocktails in general and another on whiskey. They trace the history of its respective spirit, discuss contemporary trends of consumption, and conclude with recipes and guidance on brands. Each volume is strongly shaped by the voice and skill of its writer, tempered by the particulars of the respective story. Food historian and journalist Foss spins a well-researched tale of the colorful history of rum-rife with pirates, revolution, and palm trees-delightful to read and full of wry wit. Food writer Solmonson (12bottlebar.com) balances the kind of context and detail that will appeal to serious readers with accessible prose, chronicling the evolution of gin as medicine, as a threat to the health and industry of the British lower classes, as staple of the British fleet, and as star of the gin martini. Herlihy (history, emerita, Brown Univ.) presents a more traditional and scholarly history of vodka, which bogs down a bit in a seemingly endless parade of brand marketing and packaging description. Verdict The well-read foodie who loves a good cocktail will enjoy these little histories and put to use their practical information on recipes and brands as well.-Courtney Greene, Indiana Univ. Lib., Bloomington (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.