Beer and Britannia
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In 361 AD the Emperor Julian described the Teutonic northern European races as 'sons of malt'. Big drinkers they all were, but none so much as the English. As this book shows, the English have in fact spent much of the last 2000 years semi-permanently drunk. The history of ale, beer and gin, to name but a few of the key culprits, alongside the history of the ale-house, tavern and pub, is indeed a major part of the social history of the nation. The full story is tld here, including the (mostly unsuccessful) efforts of the Church, the Puritans, temperance crusaders and the taxman to curb the boisterous habits of the English. Rich with fascinating detail and humorous anecdotes, it is a terrific read and an ideal 'alternative' history of English society.
Peter Haydon is a freelance journalist. He is General Secretary of the Society of Independent Brewers, editor of the society's journal, and a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers. His other books are Which? Guide to Country Pubs (Consumers Association, 1999) and Known Treasures and Hidden Gems: A Guide to the Best Pubs in London (CAMRA Books, 1996) He lives in London.