Out of It: A Cultural History of Intoxication

“Like any good cocktail, this book brings together tasty ingredients in a delicious mix.” —Boston Herald

“Walton is hilariously well-versed in wine terminology, and his wit is deliciously dry.” —Seattle Weekly

Out of It is a thoroughly addictive examination of intoxicants, from the everyday substances of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco to the illicit realm of opiates, amphetamines, and hallucinogens. More than a mere (if heady) catalog of intoxicants, however, Stuart Walton’s book is a smart, wry look at why intoxication has always been a part of the human experience—from our earliest Stone Age rituals to the practices of the ancient Greeks and Romans, right on up through the Victorian era and ending with a flourish in modern times—and more significantly, why the use of intoxicants is, and will continue to be, an essential part of being human.

“An insightful overview of humanity’s historical and cultural attachment to various intoxicants. . . . It deserves a prominent place in the emerging discussion reshaping understanding and policies regarding intoxication and the use of drugs and alcohol.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“Walton is particularly, and convincingly, engrossing, an elegant and forceful stylist.”—The Guardian

STUART WALTON is a cultural historian, journalist, and the author of numerous books on the subject of wine and liquors.


From the Hardcover edition.