Alcohol and temperance in modern history : an international encyclopedia /

The editors present the history of beverage alcohol as commercial product, cultural icon, behavioral solvent, medical/social research, and political issue. Their book admirably fits many purposes, covering many eras and having an international focus. The comprehensive entries (with three levels of coverage: international, regional, and country-specific) trace the history of the subject, 18th century to the present. The set includes three appendixes (documentary resources, Internet resources, and English song themes over the last three centuries) and a detailed index. Also included is excellent biographical information about movers and shakers from the history of alcohol drinking. One can find, e.g., Japanese attitudes towards drink--that alcohol is to be enjoyed as one of life's pleasures; strong drinkers are admired, but only men (women are expected to refrain); drinking is only for leisure, and those who abstain are seen as socially problematic; alcoholism is viewed as a moral failing and a sign of weakness of character. Such cultural and national analysis makes possible comparisons between countries. A storehouse of scholarship. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, researchers. M. E. Leverence Governors State University

With all the recent concern about the public and social health costs of alcohol, this intelligent encyclopedia meets a real need for a ready reference addressing terms, concepts, and issues related to alcohol and temperance in history. The editors are all published authorities on temperance history, and their encyclopedia generously describes alcohol-related subjects ranging from Bible wine to toasting practices. Clearly written by 170 experts, the almost 500 entries vary from squibs identifying individuals and terms to lengthy biographies and essays on the production, consumption, regulation, and politics of alcoholic beverages of all kinds. Articles on drinking patterns in industrialized countries and in different cultures across the world allow comparison for the first time, and the contributors' careful attention to legislation and regulation in many different places facilitates judgments about the effects of temperance and restriction. All the entries include both references and cross references; appendixes printing critical documents, Internet resources, and song themes add value. Uncork the champagne for this fine work, which belongs in every university and major public library collection.-Randall M. Miller, Saint Joseph's Univ., Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.