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The Book of Absinthe: A Cultural History
A witty, erudite primer to the world's most notorious drink.
La F�e Verte (or "The Green Fairy") has intoxicated artists, poets, and writers ever since the late eighteenth century. Stories abound of absinthe's drug-like sensations of mood lift and inspiration due to the presence of wormwood, its infamous "special" ingredient, which ultimately leads to delirium, homicidal mania, and death. Opening with the sensational 1905 Absinthe Murders, Phil Baker offers a cultural history of absinthe, from its modest origins as an herbal tonic through its luxuriantly morbid heyday in the late nineteenth century. Chronicling a fascinatingly lurid cast of historical characters who often died young, the absinthe scrapbook includes Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Charles Baudelaire, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Dowson, Aleister Crowley, Arthur Machen, August Strindberg, Alfred Jarry, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse Allais, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso. Along with discussing the rituals and modus operandi of absinthe drinking, Baker reveals the recently discovered pharmacology of how real absinthe actually works on the nervous system, and he tests the various real and fake absinthe products that are available overseas.
"Formidably researched, beautifully written, and abundant with telling detail and pitch-black humor." --The Daily Telegraph
La F�e Verte (or "The Green Fairy") has intoxicated artists, poets, and writers ever since the late eighteenth century. Stories abound of absinthe's drug-like sensations of mood lift and inspiration due to the presence of wormwood, its infamous "special" ingredient, which ultimately leads to delirium, homicidal mania, and death. Opening with the sensational 1905 Absinthe Murders, Phil Baker offers a cultural history of absinthe, from its modest origins as an herbal tonic through its luxuriantly morbid heyday in the late nineteenth century. Chronicling a fascinatingly lurid cast of historical characters who often died young, the absinthe scrapbook includes Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Charles Baudelaire, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Dowson, Aleister Crowley, Arthur Machen, August Strindberg, Alfred Jarry, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse Allais, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso. Along with discussing the rituals and modus operandi of absinthe drinking, Baker reveals the recently discovered pharmacology of how real absinthe actually works on the nervous system, and he tests the various real and fake absinthe products that are available overseas.
"Formidably researched, beautifully written, and abundant with telling detail and pitch-black humor." --The Daily Telegraph
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 5, 2019
La Fée Verte.....the Green Fairy, drink of European poets and writers of the 19th century, destroyer of lives, and surrounded by myth. Often compared to hallucinogenic drugs, it is rumored to cause delirium and homicidal mania. But does it really?
The author takes an unusual approach to the subject by spending much of his time describing the lives and writings of those famous and not so famous absintheurs. This slows down the narrative but stick with it as he finally arrives at the discussion of the drink and the myth that surrounds it. He even rates the brands available (in those countries where it is still legal). True absinthe is at least 70% alcohol and contains wormwood. While it is not proven that the amount of wormwood causes hallucinations, the alcohol content is enough to put you away after two glasses! Additionally, there is the ritual of absinthe preparation; the spoon, the sugar, and the water which adds to the mystique.
So if you want to test the strength and mystery of absinthe, try the La Fée brand from France where is it manufactured strictly for export since it is illegal in that country. You may have to go to Spain to drink it but be prepared and take a non-drinker with you to ensure that you don't spend the night in a gutter!!
An interesting and unusual book.
The author takes an unusual approach to the subject by spending much of his time describing the lives and writings of those famous and not so famous absintheurs. This slows down the narrative but stick with it as he finally arrives at the discussion of the drink and the myth that surrounds it. He even rates the brands available (in those countries where it is still legal). True absinthe is at least 70% alcohol and contains wormwood. While it is not proven that the amount of wormwood causes hallucinations, the alcohol content is enough to put you away after two glasses! Additionally, there is the ritual of absinthe preparation; the spoon, the sugar, and the water which adds to the mystique.
So if you want to test the strength and mystery of absinthe, try the La Fée brand from France where is it manufactured strictly for export since it is illegal in that country. You may have to go to Spain to drink it but be prepared and take a non-drinker with you to ensure that you don't spend the night in a gutter!!
An interesting and unusual book.
May 31, 2019
В целом, очень живо рассказанная история мистического напитка. Для большего погружения стоит познакомиться с декадентами Англии и Франции. Лучше всяких слов о книге говорит то, что я все же решил купить абсент.
May 17, 2017
I wish there had been more about the drink and less literary gossip.
February 6, 2009
Every time I go to my favorite liquor store I eye the beautiful green bottle of absinthe sitting near the counter, but have never given in. I still probably won't give in, but I can tell you that while reading this I kept thinking about trying it.
Baker's book explores the fascination and lure of absinthe among influential artists, poets and authors since the 1800s, as well as on the public at large. Many of the names are familiar: Van Gogh, Lautrec, Wilde, Rimbaud; the accounts of these celebrated artistes and their experiences with absinthe make for great reading, and serve as a commentary on the Bohemian lifestyle. The book also discusses the ban on the spirit after the French government decided it was detrimental to the health and well being of its people; then goes on to look at its resurgence. Baker also provides a glimpse of the deleterious effects of wormwood on the brain of the user, likening it to a 1940s-era cocktail known as the "Mickey Slim," which added the extra little touch of DDT to provide the extra kick. Hmm.
This is a very well-written account that could be read and understood by anyone. I was surprised to find out that absinthe is totally verboten to any US servicemen while overseas, or any government agents, but wait! There's Hillary Clinton sipping it in Prague (or did she just drink it without swallowing?)
I think I'll stick to my Campari and soda, thank you very much....
Baker's book explores the fascination and lure of absinthe among influential artists, poets and authors since the 1800s, as well as on the public at large. Many of the names are familiar: Van Gogh, Lautrec, Wilde, Rimbaud; the accounts of these celebrated artistes and their experiences with absinthe make for great reading, and serve as a commentary on the Bohemian lifestyle. The book also discusses the ban on the spirit after the French government decided it was detrimental to the health and well being of its people; then goes on to look at its resurgence. Baker also provides a glimpse of the deleterious effects of wormwood on the brain of the user, likening it to a 1940s-era cocktail known as the "Mickey Slim," which added the extra little touch of DDT to provide the extra kick. Hmm.
This is a very well-written account that could be read and understood by anyone. I was surprised to find out that absinthe is totally verboten to any US servicemen while overseas, or any government agents, but wait! There's Hillary Clinton sipping it in Prague (or did she just drink it without swallowing?)
I think I'll stick to my Campari and soda, thank you very much....
June 5, 2014
A good tangential review of French poets and poetry, pretty well referenced. This isn't a money grab, snippets of Google research. Absinthe itself is for poseurs now, but was probably better back when it was a stronger drink. According to the book, the absinthe now is much weaker.
With Flowers and With Woman
Charles Cros
With Flowers, and with Women,
With Absinthe, and with this Fire,
We can divert ourselves a while,
Act out our part in some drama.
Absinthe, on a winter evening,
Lights up in green the sooty soul;
And Flowers, on the beloved,
Grow fragrant before the clear Fire.
Later, kisses lose their charm
Having lasted several seasons;
And after mutual betrayals
We part one day without a tear.
We burn letters and bouquets.
And fire takes our bower;
And if sad life is salvaged
Still there is Absinthe and its hiccups..
The portraits are eaten by flames..
Shrivelled fingers tremble..
We die from sleeping long
With Flowers, and with Women.
With Flowers and With Woman
Charles Cros
With Flowers, and with Women,
With Absinthe, and with this Fire,
We can divert ourselves a while,
Act out our part in some drama.
Absinthe, on a winter evening,
Lights up in green the sooty soul;
And Flowers, on the beloved,
Grow fragrant before the clear Fire.
Later, kisses lose their charm
Having lasted several seasons;
And after mutual betrayals
We part one day without a tear.
We burn letters and bouquets.
And fire takes our bower;
And if sad life is salvaged
Still there is Absinthe and its hiccups..
The portraits are eaten by flames..
Shrivelled fingers tremble..
We die from sleeping long
With Flowers, and with Women.
February 14, 2010
Pretty entertaining. If you know the art and literature/poetry of the times, then you definetly need to check this out. The book humanizes these artists that have gotten away with becoming quasi-martyrs. Many of their lives were filled with psycoactive drugs and young boys. If this was bohemian culture, I find it hard to belive that they were the only segment of French and British society that was caught up in their selfish exploration of "self".
There are connections between this countreculture and the counterculture of the 1960s. Same selfish exploration under the false perception of "figuring out the world through mind expansion". The hippies of the 1890s are discussed here.
There are connections between this countreculture and the counterculture of the 1960s. Same selfish exploration under the false perception of "figuring out the world through mind expansion". The hippies of the 1890s are discussed here.
December 5, 2007
It actually doesn't deserve more than two stars, but absinthe is so fucking fantastic that I gave it one more just for exquisite taste in subject matter. The fourth star is because Marcus Kwok, the best person in the world, gave it to me; it is thus full of love.
As opposed to reading this admittedly overrated claptrap about absinthe, just go drink it until you're blind in a gutter. Two weeks later, you won't remember either experience anyway.
As opposed to reading this admittedly overrated claptrap about absinthe, just go drink it until you're blind in a gutter. Two weeks later, you won't remember either experience anyway.
August 29, 2014
I’d never even heard of absinthe when I first read this book, but that was quickly remedied by this quirky, informative and well-written book. Stock full of mind-boggling facts (especially about the tragic and talented absinthe addicts) and interesting anecdotes, Baker creates an all-encompassing narrative of the cultural effects that this seemingly innocuous, yet highly addictive and dangerous, beverage.
August 29, 2010
I'm glad I didn't allow my initial discouragement about this not being a big collection of absinthe short stories discourage me. In the end there was a few tales and poems about the subject and once I got over the authors cheeky style it was really just purely informative and i'm glad I read it.
June 29, 2010
This book examines the history and culture behind the mystery of the quintessential "green fairy," and explains the stigma behind the wonderful concoction. It makes me want to grab my glass, sugar cube, and slotted spoon right now!
September 13, 2007
A nice wittily written 300+ page book about Absinthe. Covers the historical and cultural aspects of the drink in great detail. A great read.
February 4, 2008
Oscar Wilde said absinthe "...creates genius where it previously wasn't, and destroys it were it once was..."
March 20, 2018
Quite an interesting history of the green fairy
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January 27, 2009the green monster!
October 11, 2011
Great reserch job. Funny, smart and dark, loved it.
October 5, 2014
This book was very entertaining,how the author wrapped the history around this intoxicating drink.From Oscar Wilde to Paul Verlaine,Ernest Dowson, etc. I enjoyed this book immensely.
November 14, 2014
Just watching QI and I could answer all of the questions about absinthe. Then I remembered why! I'd read this book!
October 19, 2015
Geniální! Jsem se poučila, pobavila a udělala si trošku pořádek v různých věcech z doslechu :) Škoda, že už se nedá sehnat :D
April 3, 2012
An examination of the relationship between absinthe and the poets and painters who drank it.
August 27, 2017
My first and only experience with the green fairy involved a parking lot outside a death metal show somewhere in Hamtramck, where I was plied with something I was told was absinthe that was contained in a Mountain Dew bottle.
This book got me unecessarily excited by repeating the story going around that the Russian word for absinthe is "chernobyl," but alas, that is the word for wormwood's less glamorous cousin, mugwort. #disillusioned
Interesting book, but haphazardly punctuated.
Three stars
This book got me unecessarily excited by repeating the story going around that the Russian word for absinthe is "chernobyl," but alas, that is the word for wormwood's less glamorous cousin, mugwort. #disillusioned
Interesting book, but haphazardly punctuated.
Three stars
April 15, 2020
An excellent reader's look at the community and lore of absinthe and how it completely ravaged as well as aided so many artists.
There is only about 200 pages in the book, the rest is taken up with the author reviewing absinthe on the market in 2001, a selection of short fiction that deals with absinthe, and a substantial reference section.
An excellent read, especially if you are taken with the drink, or the era.
There is only about 200 pages in the book, the rest is taken up with the author reviewing absinthe on the market in 2001, a selection of short fiction that deals with absinthe, and a substantial reference section.
An excellent read, especially if you are taken with the drink, or the era.
July 5, 2025
I found a journal of books I read in 2004, so adding this on now. My notes on this one are harsh. Crap. Too many excerpts jumbled together. This is a topic I’d be interested in, but by an author who can write. I’d like more toxicology, chemical analysis and comparison to other substances. It would also be nice to have a a better section on history of its use and famous people associated with it.
November 16, 2019
While this does have some material on absinthe, it is primarily an account of late 19th- early 20th Century artists and writers who met their demise from absinthe (amongst other things). Interesting, but kind of sad statement about creative types.
January 1, 2025
An excellent read on the mythical green spirit. Absinthe truly has had a cult following in every sense of the phrase, and I didn't realize how tied absinthe is to the occult. I went into this book not having an inkling of expectation and I surely wasn't disappointed.
June 2, 2018
Largely entertaining and informative exploration of the history, culture and science of this most notorious of liqueurs. Felt a bit slight, though I'm not sure what else there could have been to say.
November 26, 2018
It's the booze, not the wormwood.
October 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It gives a very interesting account of the history of this drink as well as goes well into those who drank it and added so much to the mystique surrounding absinthe.
November 8, 2022
A fairly interesting book, as absinthe is an interesting topic, although it read tedious in some places. Not sure there's enough material for a whole book.
April 4, 2020
The first half was a great bolt out of the gate (and tremendous good fun). Then it finished up in smartly competent fashion--all of which somehow or other reminded me of the '84 Tigers. :)
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April 14, 2017Pre-U.S./European legalization history of the tasty beverage. Unlike Verlaine and all his imitators (including Picasso), I've never had the urge to whip out a revolver on a friend but then again maybe there's never been enough wormwood in my bottles. I'm OK with that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews