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A Natural History of Beer

By Ian Tattersall and Rob DeSalle
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Natural History of Beer by Ian Tattersall and Rob DeSalle offers a fascinating journey through the science, history, and culture of beer. It explores the evolution of beer from ancient times to its modern-day role in society, blending anthropology, chemistry, and storytelling. Within its pages, readers will discover the impact of beer on human civilisation and uncover the biological processes that make this beverage so intriguing.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the science behind your favourite brew. It delves into the history and biology of beer, exploring how this beloved beverage has intertwined with human culture and evolution. Perfect for both passionate beer enthusiasts and curious minds eager to learn about the intricate ways beer has shaped societies throughout history.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A celebration of beer--its science, its history, and its impact on human culture

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
A celebration of beer—its science, its history, and its impact on human culture. “Curatorial eminences Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall serve up a potent scientific brew. . . . A marvellous paean to the pint, and to the researchers probing its depths.” — Barbara Kiser, Nature “Forced to choose between this book and a pint of hazy IPA, I would be at a loss. Better to consume them at the same time—both will go down easily, and leave you in an improved condition.” — Bill McKibben

What can beer teach us about biology, history, and the natural world? From ancient Mesopotamian fermentation practices to the resurgent American craft brewery, Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall peruse the historical record and traverse the globe for engaging and often surprising stories about beer. They explain how we came to drink beer, what ingredients combine to give beers their distinctive flavours, how beer’s chemistry works at the molecular level, and how various societies have regulated the production and consumption of beer.

Drawing from such diverse subject areas as animal behaviour, ecology, history, archaeology, chemistry, sociology, law, genetics, physiology, neurobiology, and more, DeSalle and Tattersall entertain and inform with their engaging stories of beer throughout human history and the science behind it all. Readers are invited to grab a beer and explore the fascinating history of its creation.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Natural History of Beer by Ian Tattersall and Rob DeSalle has received praise for blending scientific insights with a cultural exploration of the beloved beverage. Reviewers appreciate its engaging approach to the chemistry and history of beer, highlighting its fascinating details about barley, hops, and the effects of beer on the human brain. With its combination of thorough research and engaging narrative, it is seen as an informative read for beer enthusiasts and general readers alike.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300233674

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 09 April 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 73 b-w illus.

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 146.0mm

Height: 222.0mm

Weight: 600g

Pages: 256

Collections

Cook Books & Recipes Cooking & Food Education & Reference Global History History & Archaeology History & Military Ian Tattersall Non-Fiction Plants Rob DeSalle Science & Nature Wine, Cocktails, Tea, Coffee and more

About the Author

Rob DeSalle is a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City. Ian Tattersall is curator emeritus, Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History.

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