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A History of the World in 6 Glasses summary
How your favorite drinks changed the world
18 mins
Brief summary
A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is a historical book that explores how beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola have influenced and shaped human history. From ancient times to the present day, each beverage has had a profound impact on culture, technology, trade, and society.
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A History of the World in 6 Glasses
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The discovery of beer contributed to the rise of settled civilizations.
Most people enjoy a glass of beer now and then, but have you ever wondered who invented it? Well, beer was actually never invented – it was discovered.
The origins of beer date back to the end of the Ice Age, around 10,000 BC, when people in the area known as the Fertile Crescent – present-day Middle East and Egypt – were producing wild cereal grains in abundance.
People soon found that when grains were soaked in water, their starch converted to malt. When gruel was made with this malted grain and left to ferment for a few days, it turned into an intoxicating and slightly fizzy drink. People enjoyed its taste and the way it made them feel, so they started to produce more and more of it.
The desire to produce beer was one of the reasons humans began to settle and, eventually, farm.
At the time, life was based on hunting and gathering, so humans could only utilize certain areas of land for short periods, and weren’t able to store food. But as their desire for grain-based products like beer and bread increased, they began to look for a constant supply of grain.
This lead them to discover that stored cereal grains could gradually be consumed over a period of several months, or even years. As they came to understand the benefits of storage, they also realized that it was better to stay near grain reserves.
The need for grain eventually led people to develop agriculture, too. They began to deliberately plant and cultivate it as their society grew more reliant on grain-based food products – like beer.
Beer, in turn, became a bigger part of daily life as these early settlements developed into larger civilizations. Beer was a symbol of civilized life and sharing it became a sign of hospitality. It was even used in some religious and state ceremonies.
In fact, beer is described as the drink of the “civilized man” in the Epic of Gilgamesh, written in Mesopotamia and widely regarded as human history’s first great work of literature.
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What is A History of the World in 6 Glasses about?
A History of the World in 6 Glasses (2006) is a look at human history through an unusual lens: our favorite drinks. These blinks outline the global rise of beer, wine, alcoholic spirits, tea, coffee and soda, and how they each played into major historical developments as they spread around the world.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses Review
A History of the World in 6 Glasses (2005) takes readers on a fascinating journey through history, exploring the impact that six iconic beverages have had on human civilization. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a unique perspective on history, connecting the dots between major shifts in society and the drinks that defined them.
- Through thorough research and compelling storytelling, the book brings to life the cultural, economic, and social significance of each beverage.
- With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking insights, the book manages to make the study of history both informative and enjoyable.
Best quote from A History of the World in 6 Glasses
Coca-Cola supplies three percent of all human liquid intake.
—Tom Standage
Who should read A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
- Beer lovers, wine enthusiasts, spirits connoisseurs, coffee addicts and Coca-Cola devotees
- Anyone interested in the lesser-known details of human history or global power politics
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A History of the World in 6 Glasses FAQs
What is the main message of A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
The main message of A History of the World in 6 Glasses is that beverages have played a significant role in shaping human history and societies.
How long does it take to read A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
The reading time for A History of the World in 6 Glasses varies, but on average, it takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is A History of the World in 6 Glasses a good book? Is it worth reading?
A History of the World in 6 Glasses offers fascinating insights into the impact of beverages on human civilization. It's definitely worth a read!
Who is the author of A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
The author of A History of the World in 6 Glasses is Tom Standage.
What to read after A History of the World in 6 Glasses?
If you're wondering what to read next after A History of the World in 6 Glasses, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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