Vodka: A Global History

Edible

by Patricia Herlihy

Vodka is the most versatile of spirits. While people in Eastern Europe and the Baltic often drink it neat, swallowing it in one gulp, others use it in cocktails and mixed drinks—bloody marys, screwdrivers, white russians, and Jell-O shots—or mix it with tonic water or ginger beer to create a refreshing drink. Vodka manufacturers even infuse it with flavors ranging from lemon and strawberry to chocolate, bubble gum, and bacon. Created by distilling fermented grains, potatoes, beets, or other vegetables, this colorless, tasteless, and odorless liquor has been enjoyed by both the rich and the poor throughout its existence, but it has also endured many obstacles along its way to global popularity.In this book, Patricia Herlihy takes us for a ride through vodka’s history, from its mysterious origins in a Slavic country in the fourteenth century to its current transatlantic reign over Europe and North America. She reveals how it continued to flourish despite hurdles like American Prohibition and being banned in Russia on the eve of World War I. On its way to global domination, vodka became ingrained in Eastern European culture, especially in Russia, where standards in vodka production were first set. Illustrated with photographs, paintings, and graphic art, Vodka will catch the eye of any reader intrigued by how “potato juice” became an international industry.

Genres: Food, History, Nonfiction, Food and Drink, Alcohol, Cocktails

165 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2012

About the author

Patricia Herlihy (June 1, 1930 - October 24, 2018) was an American historian and author specializing in Russian and Soviet history.

When Herlihy was six months old her recently divorced mother moved to China, where they lived for five years. During this time, she learned Chinese, German and some English.

In adolescence, she met her future husband, David Herlihy, and together they lived and studied in Pisa and Florence, and also lived in France for a year.

After returning to the United States, Herlihy taught Russian history at the Harvard Extension School. In 1985 Herlihy visited Odessa, Ukraine for three months, which would later be the subject of several books and articles. After returning to the United States, the Herlihys accepted tenured positions at Brown University, where she continued to work. She also taught at Emmanuel College.

Reviews

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, this is one of the best Edible books so far. The history sections were a bit on the weak side, even compared with the rest of the series. That was mostly made up for the wealth of information about the modern vodka industry, which is surprisingly (to me, a non-drinker, at least) varied and gimmick focused. It's fascinating to read about vodka that's been filtered through chips of marble, flavored with hemp seeds, or sold in bottles shaped like skulls.

[Rob Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moderately interesting but there's an awful lot of fluff.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting enough first half, but the second is littered with so many descriptions of bottles, manufacturers, and flavor combinations that it reads more like an advertisement than the normal Edible fare. Decent, but stop while ahead.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, detailed history of the drink from conception, inception and disposition. Writing a little choppy at times and the author focuses on bottle branding more than anything.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little book with lots of tidbits of information about vodka and its marketing. I am a little frustrated, though, that we don't learn a little more about vodka itself. I am left uncertain what the difference is between premium vodka and regular vodka. I understand that the the substance itself is elusive in many ways; but it is clear from some spots in the book that there are meaningful differences beyond image. I wish I knew a little more about that and a few other things that could have been covered, even in a book this short.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was informative and totally enjoyable. I love vodka and it's clear the author does as well. It is well written and seemed well researched as well.

This series has great design, beautiful pictures, recipes and resources. Highly recommended if there's one on your favorite food or drink.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written as a fairy tale, using only the most accessible of the sources, this is a book written to fill a gap in the editor's portfolio.