This is a systematically arranged, annotated collection of outstanding literary works dealing with drink. It centers on some of the most enduring themes in both literary depictions of drinking and alcohol research: causes of drinking; effects of drinking; the tavern; drinking and family life; drinking and gender; and the spiritual dimension of drinking. Organized into chapters reflecting these themes, it encourages readers to think about drinking alcohol as a practice that is deeply cultural as well as biochemical. After a comprehensive introduction, the anthology provides informative headnotes to each selection, and ranges broadly across different cultures and periods, thus providing insights into patterns of similarity and difference in literature's treatment of a controversial, pervasive aspect of human experience.

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