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Beer in America: The Early Years--1587-1840: Beer's Role in the Settling of America and the Birth of a Nation
One of the most important but little-known aspects of early American history was beer's role in the founding of our country and its formative years. The definitive account of beer's impact on people and events that shaped the birth of a nation will astonish readers.
300 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 11, 2012
My friend let me borrow this book. Actually, it was more like he handed it to me and said "Read this". He picked it up during a trip to Williamsburg.
I'm consistently amazed as I look into the history of beer how much has been paved over by the temperance movement and a "puritanical" desire. Unfortunately, I had to wait until my mid to late 30's to discover that America has a rich history of beer. This book delves into it.
The Europeans of the middle ages drank beer. They feared water, because the water in their cities was nasty with pollution. They had no way to keep water fresh on ocean journies, but beer will keep for a long time, so ships carried it. Sailors were given a daily ration.
America was founded around brewhouses and taverns, which became the centers of commerce
At one point, the author seemed to be painting a picture of a paradise where part of a worker's pay was given in beer AT WORK. Yes, you could show up at work and throw pints back on the job. But rather than living you with a picture of joy and bliss, he brings it back down with a discussion of the loss of productivity this caused in many cases, and the rampant abuse
He discusses the history of the temperance movement, where it fell short (thankfully). He discusses some of the great breweries that didn't survive, and the technology of American beer making from the earliest days to the conclusion of his history around 1840.
This is a good book. It's very readable and has extensive notes if you would like to check the source material for yourself. The cover says the author is an award winning historian.
I'm consistently amazed as I look into the history of beer how much has been paved over by the temperance movement and a "puritanical" desire. Unfortunately, I had to wait until my mid to late 30's to discover that America has a rich history of beer. This book delves into it.
The Europeans of the middle ages drank beer. They feared water, because the water in their cities was nasty with pollution. They had no way to keep water fresh on ocean journies, but beer will keep for a long time, so ships carried it. Sailors were given a daily ration.
America was founded around brewhouses and taverns, which became the centers of commerce
At one point, the author seemed to be painting a picture of a paradise where part of a worker's pay was given in beer AT WORK. Yes, you could show up at work and throw pints back on the job. But rather than living you with a picture of joy and bliss, he brings it back down with a discussion of the loss of productivity this caused in many cases, and the rampant abuse
He discusses the history of the temperance movement, where it fell short (thankfully). He discusses some of the great breweries that didn't survive, and the technology of American beer making from the earliest days to the conclusion of his history around 1840.
This is a good book. It's very readable and has extensive notes if you would like to check the source material for yourself. The cover says the author is an award winning historian.
June 19, 2020
I have been researching for a historical fiction project and this book has been a great adventure. It is so good, I read all of the chapters and not just the one that applied to my research. A truly unique and fascinating read, I suggest it to history buffs, beer drinkers, and the truly curious.
August 28, 2011
As a self-proclaimed beer nerd, I’m always interested in all things beer. So, when Kim found me Beer in America: The Early Years, a book on the history of beer, I was intrigued. Admittedly, I’ve never really thought much about the history of beer; I generally assumed it’s just evolved from its beginning as the oldest fermented beverage on earth to what it is today without much fanfare. However, after reading this book I found that there is actually quite a bit of history to the evolution of beer in America, and the fact that it played an important role in the formation of our fledgling nation is really exciting.
Beer in America begins during the colonial period of American history, outlining the important role that beer played in the foundation of the new British colonies in the New World. Often, one of the first buildings built in new colonies was a brew house, as the stores of beer brought over in ships were typically low after the long voyage across the Atlantic. Therefore, small brew houses began to proliferate throughout the new colonies, and as the colonies grew, so did taverns along with beer production to serve the high demand of the colonists. Often, this demand was due to the fact that many viewed water as a source of sickness and contamination, which was a view that was carried over from Europe, where this was definitely true. However, despite the fact that clean sources of drinking water were prevalent in the New World, this theory continued for decades and beer reigned supreme.
After this early colonial beer history lesson, Smith discusses the importance of beer in forging our nation’s independence. He stresses the importance of taverns in the colonies, which provided a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty and noted revolutionaries such as Sam Adams (of course he needed to be included if we’re talking about beer!) and Ben Franklin. Additionally, taxes such as the Stamp Act and Intolerable Act both heavily taxed and attempted to blockage shipments, especially beer, to the colonists. This stressed the already oppressed colonists, and eventually lead to the Revolutionary War. Aside from this revolutionary history, Smith also discusses the expansion of several breweries after the war ended, as well as brewery technology used at the time.
I’ll freely admit that I was a bit skeptical at Smith’s original statement that beer was one of the crucial elements of the original settling of America and her freedom from England. How could such a simple beverage hold such power? However, after reading the book I found that its power lies in its ability to bring social connections together. The taverns that were a fixture in all of the colonies became the meeting places of the revolutionaries; liberty and freedom from oppression were discussed over a couple of pints. Beer provided the social freedom for the colonists to freely speak their opinions and join forces. It’s no accident that one of the most successful breweries today is named after one of the most influential proponents of liberty in early America. In reading this book I gained a greater appreciation for the power and influence that beer had in shaping our history, and that only increased the interest that I have in it as a subject. Cheers!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-xq
Beer in America begins during the colonial period of American history, outlining the important role that beer played in the foundation of the new British colonies in the New World. Often, one of the first buildings built in new colonies was a brew house, as the stores of beer brought over in ships were typically low after the long voyage across the Atlantic. Therefore, small brew houses began to proliferate throughout the new colonies, and as the colonies grew, so did taverns along with beer production to serve the high demand of the colonists. Often, this demand was due to the fact that many viewed water as a source of sickness and contamination, which was a view that was carried over from Europe, where this was definitely true. However, despite the fact that clean sources of drinking water were prevalent in the New World, this theory continued for decades and beer reigned supreme.
After this early colonial beer history lesson, Smith discusses the importance of beer in forging our nation’s independence. He stresses the importance of taverns in the colonies, which provided a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty and noted revolutionaries such as Sam Adams (of course he needed to be included if we’re talking about beer!) and Ben Franklin. Additionally, taxes such as the Stamp Act and Intolerable Act both heavily taxed and attempted to blockage shipments, especially beer, to the colonists. This stressed the already oppressed colonists, and eventually lead to the Revolutionary War. Aside from this revolutionary history, Smith also discusses the expansion of several breweries after the war ended, as well as brewery technology used at the time.
I’ll freely admit that I was a bit skeptical at Smith’s original statement that beer was one of the crucial elements of the original settling of America and her freedom from England. How could such a simple beverage hold such power? However, after reading the book I found that its power lies in its ability to bring social connections together. The taverns that were a fixture in all of the colonies became the meeting places of the revolutionaries; liberty and freedom from oppression were discussed over a couple of pints. Beer provided the social freedom for the colonists to freely speak their opinions and join forces. It’s no accident that one of the most successful breweries today is named after one of the most influential proponents of liberty in early America. In reading this book I gained a greater appreciation for the power and influence that beer had in shaping our history, and that only increased the interest that I have in it as a subject. Cheers!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-xq
June 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and I have a good reason why. I even gave it four stars, which means that I found it to be a really good book or I had ulterior motives. First off, it is non-fiction which almost garners a star just for being readable. What I really enjoyed about this book though is how it correlates with science. Beer is a healthy drink and water is poisonous. At first I was very dubious about this claim, but in light of how little people knew in 1600's, 1700's and 1800's the claim becomes quite plausible. Think about how complicated it is to brew beer. Yeast? They didn't even really know what yeast was. Medicine? Pre-Lister era. Machines? Steam engines appear eventually. Chemical reactions... during this time. It's really awesome seeing how this develops. This feature of the book makes up for the sections of the book where the author, G-Dog, just claims beer was a part of this important event because ... it was there.
May 5, 2015
The research in this book includes several mistakes regarding American History, as well as beer's part within it. I realize he is not a trained historian, but you don't have to be to do proper research. I rated his other book and found it troubling, but this one is almost impossible to read given several mistakes and promotions of historial myths. You can't just take quotes out of context to fit a thesis/argument. I am really disappointed in this book. I want it to be better. There is so much good in this book, but like moldy bread, you can't just ignore the bad for the good -- you throw it away. It's a shame. Smith's writings on beer are well known and most of the time, notably with articles he's composed, are excellent. Maybe he is rushing his books or just isn't used to doing extensive research. Peer review is badly needed here, and it would have helped him immensely.
July 16, 2012
I found the level of research and overall presentation of beer and the drinking culture in early America disappointing. This book would be good for those who have minimal to little prior knowledge of beer consumption in history, or American history in general.
March 17, 2021
It is interesting to read about how beer was essential to the development of America. In Europe water wasn't safe to drink so they drank beer. It was a 'staple' that was put on ships sailors. Among the first buildings colonists built were breweries. Most of the colonists brewed their own if a brewery wasn't near. Soon taverns were established and became the social centers of villages and towns. Taverns also became court houses for judges riding circuits. This book covers a lot of the history and how beer affected the politics. The author also has a chapter that has short histories of several breweries. Old recipes for beer and mixed drinks based on beer are in another chapter. A fun interesting read.
April 9, 2018
If you’re interested in beer history and need a refresher on colonial American history, this is a good start. Other commenters say this book is inaccurate so take that for what it’s worth. The grammar is pretty bad and his writing makes me want to punch a hole in a wall but I do like the info on technological advancements and some of the stuff on early laws that were predecessors to prohibition. Other than that, look elsewhere if you need a more trustworthy approach.
September 30, 2021
This was an interesting read about how much beer was a part of colonial life. There’s information about some interesting of the more prominent breweries and even some recipes for beer cocktails that were used. A good book for anyone interested in beer.
July 9, 2022
The first part of the book was kinda dry. Mostly just a timeline of events, largely occurring *adjacent* to beer.
The second part, about home brewing, taverns, technology and temperance, was fascinating.
The second part, about home brewing, taverns, technology and temperance, was fascinating.
April 6, 2021
I thought this book was very informative, but a bit dry at times.
June 6, 2023
A good solid history on beer in this country. Somewhat repetitive in the beginning but less so towards the end.
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February 23, 2009what in the hell is this? is this supposed to be informative or is someone pulling my leg here? this guy is an "award winning beer author"? whatever. the book sucks so far. i dont think i've learned a thing. the pilgrims landed at plymouth because they needed beer? ok? maybe they also just needed to find freakin land. i'm 4 chapters in, but i might never pick this up again. dude's a joker. at this point this gets zero stars.
September 12, 2010
If the entire book would have been like the last chapter it would have been exactly what I was looking for. As it was, it seemed a little repetitive, like there were actually 3 books here that we kind of stuck together. The real focus for the first three were colonial history that mentioned beer, rather than beer in colonial times.
October 25, 2015
Not the most compelling book ever, but full of fun beer facts for so one who needs to know them. Most interesting was the ubiquitousness of beer in everyday life from the colonials right up through prohibition. It makes Prohibition, it's repeal, and the ensuing mass production of bland beer in the late 20th century, seem like a blip on the vast, varied and particular history of brewing.
August 18, 2009
This is one of several books I have read relating to beer history. It's interesting to get into the roots of the current brewing industry. It gives you the background of brewing companies like Budweiser, Miller and Coors.
January 20, 2013
If you love freedom and beer, you will enjoy this book. Written by a beer enthusiast, it is history with a light touch. Who knew what an important role beer and taverns played in the Colonial and Revolutionary period of America!
September 8, 2015
Subject matter was enjoyable and I'm much more educated on the topic than when I went in, but overall the book needed better organization and editing. It's a strong 2-star or weak 3-star, and since I'm a sucker for beer I'll move it to three stars instead of keeping it at 2.
March 20, 2016
Good, not great
January 23, 2012
Good footnotes and bibliography.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews