Reviews
Imagine: an archaeologist travels the world, testing the residue on pottery shards to unlock ancient recipes for beer and wine. And then--it gets better--he re-creates those recipes so that you, too, can raise a glass of King Midas's brew. Ancient Brews is an extraordinary, globe-trotting journey through the remarkable history of our ancient connection with alcohol. Patrick McGovern is both a brilliant scientist and a gifted storyteller. This astonishing book belongs on the shelf of every wine and beer aficionado. The historical and scientific perspective is sure to astonish and delight, and the recipes will lead to some lively experimentation among homebrewers., One might assume not much Venn exists between diagrams of beer and archeology. One would be wrong. Learning what we drank and why makes for a superb adventure. Dr. Pat--America's foremost barstool archaeologist--is back from the trenches to entertain, educate, and quench your thirst. Pull up a barstool!, McGovern's mix of gee-wiz science and thoughtful historical context makes Ancient Brews a refreshing read., McGovern's joyful treasure hunt through time is pint after pint of proof that the best beers have the best stories, and are best enjoyed with all the trappings of a feast. Alcohol, McGovern shows, is fundamental, setting the heavens in motion, stirring the souls of birds and bees alike. What sets us apart isn't that we drink, but how--and that's where this book shines. Because the beers themselves--and there are plenty of them--are only the beginnings of delicious tales of swashbuckling scientists, gods and pharaohs, warriors and kings, and, oh yes, the best roasted goose I've ever had., Of interest to home brewer and historian alike. . . . Ancient Brews may well get readers drinking (in moderation, of course). It will also get them thinking, especially when Mr. McGovern ponders alcohol's place in human society., In his compulsively readable new book, Patrick McGovern takes us on a rollicking journey to discover how our ancient ancestors around the world made their 'extreme' beers and other fermented beverages--and how he and his gifted associates are re-creating them today. A must-read not only for brewers, but for anyone who loves to drink these emblems of civilization., Ancient Brews is an engaging journey through the history of humankind's relationship with fermented beverages. Sprinkled with anecdotes from the field, the lab, and the brew house, Dr. Pat tells the story of investigating these primeval draughts and bringing them back to life. Whether armchair adventurer, curious homebrewer, or culinary historian, Ancient Brews will allow the reader to truly appreciate and understand these historic libations., Dr. Pat McGovern is Sherlock Holmes with a time machine: employing the most modern laboratory tools, he travels into the distant past to unlock the recipes of botanical brews of the ancient world. Ancient Brews is a feast for the mind, the heart, the soul, and (above all) for those with a thirst!, A lively travelogue through time and space! Dr. McGovern, our amiable guide, brings us on board with the promise of good beer and well-prepared food, both of which he offers in abundance. But he also takes us much farther afield to discover ourselves and our ancestors in the near and far corners of the world.
