A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 6 GLASSES

Like Mark Kurlansky’s highly enlightening COD, which traces history through the rise of commercial fishing, A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 6 GLASSES takes a similar approach with beverages. Standage—technology editor of THE ECONOMIST—is appropriately sparing in his words, never wasting a drop. His thought-provoking theories on the rise of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola will have listeners thinking about their favorite beverages in whole new ways. Sean Runnette’s composed voice is like the lining of an oak cask holding a refined concoction, imparting a bit of its flavor on the contents but never overpowering the brew. His narration is perfect for Standage’s insightful history of some of humankind’s greatest pleasures. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2011]