The Social History of Bourbon: An Unhurried Account of Our Star-Spangled American Drink

The distinctive beverage of the Western world, bourbon is Kentucky's illustrious gift to the world of spirits. Although the story of American whiskey is recorded in countless lively pages of our nation's history, the place of bourbon in the American cultural record has long awaited detailed and objective presentation. Not a recipe book or a barman's guide, but a fascinating and informative contribution to Americana, The Social History of Bourbon reflects an aspect of our national cultural identity that many have long suppressed or overlooked. Gerald Carson explores the impact of the liquor's presence during America's early development, as well as bourbon's role in some of the more dramatic events in American history, including the Whiskey Rebellion, the scandals of the Whiskey Ring, and the "whiskey forts" of the fur trade. The Social History of Bourbon is a revealing look at the role of this classic beverage in the development of American manners and culture. A high-spirited history of the role bourbon has played in American life and culture, “documented and full of folklore” ( Kirkus Reviews ). The distinctive beverage of the Western world, bourbon is Kentucky’s illustrious gift to the nation. While much has been written about whiskey, the particular place of bourbon in the American cultural record has long awaited detailed and objective presentation. A fascinating and informative contribution to Americana, The Social History of Bourbon reflects an aspect of our national cultural identity that has been widely overlooked. Gerald Carson explores the impact of the liquor’s presence during America’s early development, as well as bourbon’s role in some of the more dramatic events in American history, including the Whiskey Rebellion, the scandals of the Whiskey Ring, and the “whiskey forts” of the fur trade. From moonshiners to the Civil War to Old West saloons and the privations of Prohibition, The Social History of Bourbon is a revealing look at the role of this classic beverage in the development of American manners and culture. “Goes into the families and personalities of bourbon’s early history and does so with humor . . . a great cause to raise a glass.” ― Rowley’s Whiskey Forge Drinks And Drinking In Early America -- Watermelon Armies And Whiskey Boys -- Bourbon's Country Cousin -- The First True Bourbon -- A Name With A Melody All Its Own : Kentucky -- The Dark Age Of American Drinking -- Whiskey In The Civil War -- Golden Years Of The Bourbon Aristocracy -- Drinking Down The National Debt -- Moonshine And Honeysuckle -- The Great Whiskey Steal -- The Highwine Trust -- Westward The Jug Of Empire Took Its Way -- A Sofa With Every Case -- But, What Is Whiskey? -- Whiskey Fun And Folklore -- The Swinging Door -- The Zenith Of Man's Pleasure -- Bourbon : From 1920 To The Day Before Yesterday. Gerald Carson. Issued As Part Of Upcc Book Collections On Project Muse. Originally Published : New York : Dodd, Mead, 1963. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Mode Of Access: World Wide Web. The author explores the story of bourbon whiskey, originating in the year of the Declaration of Independence, continuing through the Whisky Rebellion, Prohibition, moonshiners, barroom photographs, and bourbon advertising.