This book doesn't just cover the history of cocktails but introduces the passion of a great bar tender! Wondrich is an academic and writes like one, a few sentences get a little heavy at times...but nevertheless he obviously enjoys a good drink that is made well, and not just for the drink but for the atmosphere, the theatre and the ambience. Wondrich's passion and story telling is a must for anyone who has made the choice not to drink booze but considers a tipple every now and then, the magic of creating something special for the right occasion and enjoying the drink not for the sake of drinking.
His research into the Proffesor's life (you'll have to read the book) shows how the bar can be a rough place, a fun place, a naughty place, a complicated place and a simple place but get this book if you want to know how the cocktail bar all began and has influenced even the best pubs of the UK in the way a customer should be treated from the welcome to the making of the best drink in the house - whatever your choice is - do you love to tend the bar? then read Imbibe!