Alcohol and its Role in the Evolution of Human Society

"gives a description of the science and social context of its production from the viewpoint of a former academic microbiologist and professional brewer."

...this book is an excellent and diverse resource for those wishing to learn about historical brewing ingredients, practices and the genomics of the various sugar and yeast components used...

* Chromatographia, 2013 76:105 *

The author modestly describes his book as an attempt to provide a basis for further research into the significance of alcohol in the advancement of mankind, for example in the transition of humans from hunter-gatherers to farmers. Nevertheless, he himself goes a long way towards this goal.

* The Biologist Vol 60 No: 1 *

"with fascinating asides such as the politics of wheat use for beer versus bread, or the ceremonial use of sake."

"the discussions of the state of the art and speculation on the future of this field particularly interesting."

"Hornsey’s tour de force covers an immense amount of ground at an impressive depth. Readers unfamiliar with the fundamentals of brewing technology, metabolic pathways and plant biology may find themselves having to make use of the extensive references to get the most out of the text."

"useful addition to libraries that seek supplementation to holdings that cover the "fermentation of grapes or rice."

* Choice, March 2013 Vol. 50 No. 07 *

"...good addition to collections that provide mostly archeological evidence on the formation of society, religion, and agriculture."

* Choice, March 2013 Vol. 50 No. 07 *

"Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate sttrdents, researchers/faculty, and professionals."

* Choice, March 2013 Vol. 50 No.