The Meaning of Beer：An Alternative History of the World

''Tantalising, enlightening and the best reason to raise another glass of beer'' Olly Smith

''This is one of the most important books ever written about beer'' Mark Dredge

Since its creation 13,000 years ago, beer has shaped everything from architecture and advertising to religion and bioengineering. The people who built the pyramids were paid in ale; the first fridge was built for beer not food;
bacteria was discovered while investigating sour beer; and it was the beer halls of Germany that hosted Hitler''s rise to power.

In this highly entertaining beer-lover''s guide to world history, award-winning drinks writer Jonny Garrett recounts the incredible human moments and inventions in pursuit of the perfect pint.

''This book will make you laugh, it will make you smarter and it will make you want to drink more beer'' Ned Palmer

''As fascinating as it is funny... full of revelations about beer''s vital role in the world'' Robbie Knox