Making beer has been a part of the traditional English household economy since early times. However, as author Clive La Pensee points out, the tradition actually goes a lot further back than that, back to ancient Egypt, in fact. Micro-breweries may once more be in the fashion, but there is nothing new about the idea. This fascinating story captures the full inebriation of history, covering the types of malt, hops and barley used to produce differing historical brews, and setting each in context. With recipes, for the more adventurous souls who want to experience the taste of the past at first hand.