La'Tia Harris2nd periodApril 20, 2014The History of the World in Six GlassesWorld history itself is a very complicated subject to discuss. Many other authors have attempted to condense many years of history into a single book. Subject to failure, Tom Standage's attempt was a success. Instead of Standage trying to summarize the story, he simply based the book on a single subject, in this case drinks. Using the drinks, he took the reader on a journey that shows how this intertwines with the story. Standage is a charming writer, blending his light-hearted style with an exceptional sense of history, not just on the subject of drinks, but throughout. Despite my now positive opinion, I have to admit that when I first picked up A History of the World in 6 Glasses, I didn't expect to enjoy it. Although I am a "die-hard fan" of three of the drinks used, I simply felt no interest in how world history had anything to do with them. However, what I quickly learned is that this book is not a story of 6 glasses, but rather, as the title suggests, a history of the world, told through the story of 6 glasses . The book also makes it clear that after oxygen, liquids are necessary for humanity. In my opinion, I agree with the statement that the availability of water and other sources of drink has "constrained and guided the progress of humanity" and "continued to shape the history of humanity.” Over time, drinks have not only quenched our thirst; but served as medicine, currency and religious rights. It also served as a symbol of wealth and power, as well as a tool to appease the poor. A History of the World in 6 Glasses is divided into six sections, one for each drink, the first being beer. Man's early civilizations... middle of paper ... and themselves, gaining ground through the Depression, then traveling alongside our soldiers in World War II, becoming a global phenomenon. The history of the world in 6 glasses makes it clear that the history of humanity is a history of our consumption. Whether we were drinking “liquid bread” in Mesopotamia, pondering revolution in a cafe in Paris, or tossing tea leaves into the ocean in Boston, these drinks have had a profound impact on who we are. As Standage says in the introduction to his book "They survive in our homes today as living reminders of bygone eras, fluid testaments to the forces that shaped the modern world." Revealing its origins, and you may never look at your favorite drink the same way. again in the same way. » I highly recommend this book to anyone thirsty for knowledge about the world around them... or even if they just thirst for a good drink..