Nineteen Centuries of Drink in England - A History

Richard Valpy French

Published by Longmans, Green, and Co., 1884

About this Item

This is a rare copy of "Nineteen Centuries of Drink in England - A History" by Richard Valpy French. 1884 1st edition; Longmans, Green, and Co.; London. This copy comes from the personal library of the author, with his bookplate affixed to the front pastedown. It appears to have been custom bound in three-quarter leather (as all other copies I have seen are bound in the original publisher's cloth) with marbled covers and end papers, and five raised bands and gilt on the spine. French was a "diligent researcher of English social history, with a keen focus on the cultural evolution of beverage consumption patterns across the ages." The book is a "meticulous chronological exploration tracing the historical landscape of alcohol from the Roman conquest through to the 19th century." From the Introduction: "The object of this work is to ascertain the part which Drink has played in the individual and national life of the English people. To this end, an inquiry is instituted into the beverages which have been in use, the customs in connection with their use, the drinking vessels in Vogue, the various efforts made to control or prohibit the use, sale, manufacture, or Importation of strong drink, whether proceeding from Church, or State, or both: the connection of the drink traffic with the revenue, together with incidental notices of banquets, feasts, the pledging of health's, and other relevant matter." Condition: There is a circular area at the top of the spine where the top leather layer has faded/peeled. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Both covers are firmly attached. Nice interior - the pages are clean with only some foxing to a half dozen or so pages at the front and at the back. The half title page has a small tear at the outer edge. The author's bookplate has been affixed to the front pastedown. Overall the book is in Very Good condition. Seller Inventory # ABE-1716583605857

Bibliographic Details

Title: Nineteen Centuries of Drink in England - A ...

Publisher: Longmans, Green, and Co.

Publication Date: 1884

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Edition: 1st Edition