Harry Johnson's Bartenders Manual 1934 Reprint

by Harry Johnson

Complete Reprint of Harry Johnson's Bartenders' Manual, originally published 1882. "Harry Johnson was a professional bartender for most of his life and along with Jerry Thomas he was one of the first to write about his trade. Harry's rather opinionated thoughts on the bartending profession and how to run a bar, which takes up the first third of the book, make for a fascinating insight in to the world of nineteenth century bars. He wasn't afraid of boasting, describing one of his bars as "what was generally recognized to be the largest and finest establishment of the kind in this country," but the advice is clearly spoken from the heart about a profession he really believes in."

Genres: Cocktails

270 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2008

Reviews

[JT]

Out of date recipes with extinct ingredients and everything you ever wanted to know about running a saloon in 1882. Historical interest only.

[David]

Literally half of this book, seems to be an amazing guide to the very specific nuts and bolts to opening a new bar in 1882 (down to opening in the morning, maintaining the toilets, and cleaning the brass). The rest consists of recipes that are definitely out of date, but I assume compare favorably with those of Jerry Thomas. Definitely a time and place book.

Thanks to the EUVS Vintage Cocktail Books website for curating this book.

[Nico Battersby]

His advice is useful for beginner bartenders.
Several of the cocktail recepies he lists are simple repeats of recepies he listed earlier.

[James Kilgannon]

Absolute must read for any bartender....even though it is is old it focuses on the simple things that everyone should know...really loved the descriptions of how a bartender should hold himself behind a bar and his emphasis on respect to the customer. A must read