A History of the World in 6 Glasses

In A History of the World in 6 Glasses, Tom Standage explores the profound impact of six iconic beverages—beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola—on human civilization from the Stone Age to the present. Each drink serves as a lens through which Standage reveals pivotal historical moments, illustrating how they shaped economies, cultures, and global interactions. This engaging narrative shows how these beverages acted as catalysts for change, influencing everything from trade to revolutionary ideas and even foreign policy, ultimately transforming our understanding of history and culture.