Gin
Gin by Shonna Milliken Humphrey, published by Bloomsbury Academic on November 12, 2020, is part of the Object Lessons series, which explores the hidden lives of everyday items. This 160-page book delves into the multifaceted history and cultural significance of gin, a spirit that evokes a range of memories and associations for many. From its early medical uses to its controversial role in society, the narrative examines how gin has influenced social dynamics and cultural expressions throughout history.
Readers will discover the complex journey of gin, from its origins as a purported healing agent to its portrayal in literature, film, and music. The book addresses various themes, including the social implications of gin consumption and its historical context, highlighting its impact on political power and gender dynamics. Through this exploration, Gin offers insights into the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of this popular spirit, making it a thought-provoking addition to discussions in social science and cultural studies.
Official synopsis Publisher
Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.
Gin tastes like Christmas to some and rotten pine chips to others, but nearly everyone familiar with the spirit holds immediate gin nostalgia.
Although early medical textbooks treated it as a healing agent, early alchemists (as well as their critics) claimed gin’s base was a path to immortality-and also Satan’s tool. In more recent times, the gin trade consolidated the commercial and political power of nations and prompted a social campaign against women. Gin has been used successfully as a defense for murder; blamed for massive unrest in 18th-century England; and advertised for as an abortifacient.
From its harshest proto-gin distillation days to the current smooth craft models, gin plays a powerful cultural role in film, music, and literature-one that is arguably older, broader, and more complex than any other spirit.
Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Gin” about?
Who is the author of “Gin”?
When was “Gin” published?
What is the ISBN for “Gin”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
