Reviews

Gin by Shonna Milliken Humphrey

jaimee_featonby's review against another edition

informative inspiring fast-paced

3.5

sharondblk's review against another edition

4.0

This is a history of gin, told in a breezy, fun way. This is as apolitical as a book can be, in stark contrast with Fat. I enjoyed the history and I certainly learnt a lot about gin. I remember a couple of years ago finding out that gin is basically clear spirit with botanicals - no aging, and you can make gin with a base of a bottle of Aldi vodka, and I've kind of been wanting to try! While this book sets gin in it's various historical contexts, it breezes through economic inequality and gender issues with a very neutral eye. Perfectly valid, and it's made me think about both gin and different representations of history. And it's got a great cover.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

irasobrietate's review against another edition

5.0

This was a fun book written in a simple, conversational style. I loved the range of topics related to gin that the author covered - from the linguistics to production to politics to entertainment. Humphrey covers so many different events and ideas that there's something to pique the interest of everyone, no matter what your own niche interest might be. My personal interest is in 18th century Britain, so I found the discussion of Hogarth, "Puss and Mew" houses (a.k.a. the first vending machines!), Gin Acts, and especially the gendered debates surrounding gin to be fascinating. I'll definitely be looking to pick up more installments in the Object Lessons series.

Fun sidebar: I read the majority of this in a liquor store (I work there and have a lot of downtime for reading). I had more than a few breaks to examine the shelves of gin bottles and consider everything Humphrey was talking about.

thebetterhalf's review against another edition

2.0

★★☆☆☆ 2.5 stars