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Rum: A Global History
Author(s): Richard Foss (Author)
- Publisher: Reaktion Books
- Publication Date: 1 April 2012
- Edition: Illustrated
- Language: English
- Print length: 144 pages
- ISBN-10: 1861899262
- ISBN-13: 9781861899262
Book Description
‘Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!’ A favourite of pirates, the molasses-coloured liquid brings to mind clear blue seas and weatherbeaten sailors. But enjoyment of rum spread far beyond the scallywags of the Caribbean – Charles Dickens savoured it in punch, George Washington served it at campaign rallies, Queen Victoria sipped it in the British Navy’s grog, and Kamehameha I of Hawaii drank it straight. In Rum Richard Foss tells the colourful, secret history of a spirit that not only helped spark the American Revolution but was even used as currency in Australia. This book chronicles the 500-year evolution of rum from a raw spirit concocted for slaves to a beverage savoured by connoisseurs. Rum has left its mark on religious rituals – it remains a sacramental offering among voodoo worshippers – and became part of popular songs and other cultural landmarks. Fast-paced and well written, Rum will delight any fan of Mojitos and Mai Tais.
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About the Author
Richard Foss is a food historian and journalist. He has written for many publications including Time Out magazine, Easy Reader newspaper and Los Angeles CityBeat, and has contributed to Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia (2011).
