A History of Drink and the English, 1500–2000, by Paul Jennings

Abstract

The past decade or so has witnessed a boom in the historical study of drink. Widely acknowledged as a central aspect of many societies past and present (and certainly of English society), the subject of the production, consumption and regulation of alcoholic drinks is now starting to receive a degree of scholarly attention proportionate to its importance. Paul Jennings can undoubtedly claim to have been a pioneer in this field, starting his research into English pubs thirty years ago, at a time when such a choice of topic was still likely to raise eyebrows in the staff common-room, and he has remained at the forefront of developments ever since. Jennings is a fitting individual, therefore, to be entrusted with this much-needed survey of what recent scholarly work on the history of drink in England currently adds up to, and his mastery of the field and its associated literature is evident here. In an age where scholars increasingly shy away from the ambitious survey, Jennings tackles this challenge with aplomb, producing an account that is rich in detail and discussion of the available evidence, marshalling the same into a clear and readable narrative. The account is sensitive to the complexity and variety of historical developments while nonetheless identifying key trends and broader conclusions with surety.