Rum: The Epic Story of the Drink That Conquered the World

by Charles A. Coulombe

Book Overview

In this sweeping volume, Charles Coulombe explores the fascinating origins and far-reaching legacies of the drink that kept the British Navy afloat for 300 years' while establishing a colourful reputation as a mainstay of buccaneers, revolutionaries and trendsetters. From rum's role in the Boston Tea Party to its dubious distinction as the centre of the soul-crushing colonial Triangle Trade, here is the uncorked truth about the beverage that altered...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806525835
• ISBN13: 9780806525839
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Citadel Press
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Thirsty work

Charles A Coulombe's "Rum: The Epic Story Of The Drink That Conquered The World" is an excellent exposition on practical economics and is deceptively understated in giving superb lessons in history, religion, trade policy, politics, military history and methods, and holidays. To pack so much into a work that is also a delight to read, and in addition provides a welcome addition to the bartender's bookshelf is as generous as a round on the house. This book is about rum. But we must keep in mind that this centerpiece is well chosen, and very much after the "Wall Street Journal" style of journalism, and selecting a commodity and nation to explain economic history. The discovery of the new world, and of sugar cane and the production of high volume spirits from the bountiful plant, truly shaped the entire fabric of history and western civilization for centuries. The importance of rum cannot be overstated when applied to looking at American and European history. This is a non-fiction work, and is comparable to Mark Kurlansky's "Salt" and his equally good "Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World" in scope and structure in following the life of the commodity subject. However, we must be realistic: reading a book about rum is a lot more fun than reading a book about fish and a Margarita garnish, and so Coulombe wins the crown for topical economic history. This is an excellent, readable, exciting book, and Coulombe is to be thanked for writing it. But "Rum: The Epic Story of The Drink That Conquered The World" does promote a thirst. I'm normally a vodka and white lightening man, myself. Nevertheless, no one could resist making a nice Cuba Libra with a fresh wedge of lime when reading this delightful book. Do not forget to toast the hastening arrival of Castro's death. Moving on to a discussion of Mojitos....

Great ride through history

This book was a lot of fun. Anyone that loves history but hates long tedious reads is sure to love this book. It outlines rum's role in Colonialism, Piracy, Religion, Military, Prohibition, and the Mafia. I only wish it could have been a little more in depth on each subject. Especially on the lost chapter where he gives a small guide to rums of the world. Not sure what the other reviewer was saying when it got stuck in places and he lost his rythm. Maybe he should read with his fingers. He did give a list of all the recipes so maybe he isn't so bad after all. If you like history and you like rum then get this book!!!

Nice Easy Read

I picked this book up inside an Airport bookshop. The book was as good as its cover suggested. It was light breezy read on the history of rum. I think my flight attendant might have thought I was a lush because I kept asking for more rum.

Yo Ho Ho and a book on Rum

Rum is my spirit of choice and when I saw this book I naturally had to get it. This book traces the history of Rum from its discovery in the 1600's (I wonder if that is what actually lifted Europe out of the dark ages) until present day. Rum has played such a significant role on the history of the world. It is doubtful that any other beverage save tea or coffee could boast as much. The main role it played was in the Triangle trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This is also the initial focus of the book but goes into its role in militaries, prohibition, and more. Rum has also played a significant part in shaping religious practices and other world events. If you want a solid but smooth ride through history then this is the book for you. I guarantee you will learn something new about the world as well as have a new appreciation for the power of a simple sugar derived spirit. Added bonus are all of the recipes included at the end of each chapter. I suggest you start this book with your favorite rum concoction because you will soon be thirsty.

Interesting History and Authentic Recipes!

I enjoyed this book in that it caused me to think about how something relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things can have such a tremendous impact on world history. Mr. Coulombe does an excellent job of tracing the history of rum from its origins in the 1600's through to the present day. The importance of rum in the Triangle Trade and the development of Colonial America is detailed in an interesting, yet scholarly manner. As an added bonus, the author includes rum-based recipes for mixed drinks and food items. If you are interested in the development of the American Colonial economic base, slavery, piracy on the high seas, or just how rum is made, this book will fill the bill.