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Empire of Booze

British History Through the Bottom of a Glass
By Henry Jeffreys
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Brief Description
From award-winning booze correspondent Henry Jeffreys comes this rich and full-bodied history of Britain and the Empire, told through the improbable but true stories of how the world's favourite alcoholic drinks came to be. Empire of Booze traces the impact of alcohol on British culture and... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3299
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A humorous and informative look at Britain's contributions to the world of alcohol over the centuries.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From award-winning booze correspondent Henry Jeffreys comes this rich and full-bodied history of Britain and the Empire, told through the improbable but true stories of how the world's favourite alcoholic drinks came to be.

Empire of Booze traces the impact of alcohol on British culture and society, from madeira and India Pale Ale being created to withstand the long, hot journeys to overseas territories to why whisky became the favoured choice for weary empire builders longing for home.

Filled to the brim with fascinating trivia, this colourful history underlines that Britain's alcoholic innovations are some of its greatest, most lasting gifts to the world.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781805466420

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 April 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Illustration: B&W integrated

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 600g

Pages: 304

Collections

Addiction & Recovery Cook Books & Recipes Cooking & Food Education & Reference Global History Henry Jeffreys History & Archaeology History & Military New Zealand and Australia Published Non-Fiction Wine, Cocktails, Tea, Coffee and more

About the Author

Henry Jeffreys is a contributor to Good Food, the Guardian, Harpers Wine & Spirit, and Spectator, wine columnist for The Critic magazine, and along with Tom Parker Bowles he hosts the 'Intoxicating History' podcast. He was Fortnum & Mason Drink Writer of the Year in 2022 and is the author of four books: Empire of Booze, The Home Bar, The Cocktail Dictionary and Vines in a Cold Climate, which was shortlisted for the James Beard awards, Guild of Food Writers Awards, 67 Pall Mall wine writing awards and won Fortnum & Mason Drink Book of the Year 2024. He lives in Kent with his wife and two daughters.

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