Wine
A Cultural History
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Reaktion Books
Published:14th Nov '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This is an amiable tour of wine’s history, detailing the profound effect it has had on society and culture through the ages. From its origins in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to the New World wine industry today, John Varriano examines how wine is made, and how it has been used in rituals and revelries throughout history. He investigates wine’s transformative effects on body and mind in art, literature and science around the world, from the mosaics of ancient Rome to the poetry of Emily Dickinson and the paintings of Caravaggio, Bosch and Manet. A fascinating, companiable exploration, Wine: A Cultural History will delight all those who favour a glass or two of an evening, as well as those who are interested in the rich history of human creativity and consumption.
Varriano’s beautifully illustrated and detailed study shows how wine has inspired us in art, literature and religion. It is the perfect drinking companion. * The Guardian *
Those who have overindulged in the subject might like instead to read about the culture of the vine. Drawing on poetry, art and history, Varriano presses out some of the infinitely rich past of the fermented grape. * I (Independent mini version) *
Packed with interesting anecdotes, it’s beautifully illustrated and exhaustively researched, and romps along at a great pace. * Decanter *
Offers a great deal of fascinating analysis that is precise, revealing, and engaging. Anyone interested in the history of Ancient Greek/Roman art or Western European painting should find it fascinating to discover exactly which role the depiction of wine played in them. * Gastronomica *
John Varriano offers a chatty, charming and intelligent tale of wine from Neolithic times to the present, with frequent reference to the visual arts and literature. It is a delightful journey . . . You have an immensely pleasant ramble through visions of Bacchus and tipsy monks and theories of medicine . . . The book as a whole is fluent, fun, and filled with delightful scraps of history, literature, religion, and art. * Kenneth Bendiner, Professor of Art History, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee *
ISBN: 9781789146455
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
280 pages