Absinthe is not a relic of the past; there is a vibrant and devoted contemporary scene focused exclusively around the notorious Green Fairy. Indeed, the liquor's lore piques the interest of many: Does the drink drive one to madness? Does it serve as a gateway to boundless creativity? Which is the best method for enjoying the drink-set aflame or chilled with ice and sugar? How can I get my hands on all of the beguiling absinthe antiques? Answering these burning questions, authors Betina Wittels, Robert Hermesch, and T. A. Breaux, all astute absinthe connoisseurs, have updated their wildly successful book with an expanded historical section, new absinthe reviews to tantalize imbibers, sidebars peeking into various absinthe subcultures, stunning new imagery from both past and present, and much more. For those looking to begin their absinthe journey or for those who've been on the path for some time, this book is a must for those who fancy all things absinthe.
Agreen fairy, geniuses' muse, deliverer of madness and maladies, harmless elixir -- absinthe carries quite a reputation. Absinthe: Sip of Seduction, A Contemporary Guide reveals the true nature of this notorious and alluring sub-culture, from past to present. Punctuated with classic and current poster art, postcards, paintings, drawings, advertisements, and photographs, this book does not leave the eye feeling neglected. Beginning with the birth and temporary death of absinthe, our story moves towards the contemporary revival of the Green Fairy. As a must, the comprehension of the piqued interest of absinthe requires a look at the famous drinkers who have cuddled up to the rumored green muse. From Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, and Alfred Jarry to Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Pablo Picasso to Ernest Hemingway, Aleister Crowley, Johnny Depp, and Marilyn Manson, absinthe has had many suitors. Discussions on how absinthe may serve as a brilliant release for creativity and, in some cases, a road to abuse and destruction are held for each featured artist. As displayed by our aforementioned modern imbibers, the consumption and enjoyment of absinthe is not relegated to the past. For the curious drinker of today, Absinthe: Sip of Seduction provides information on the various sipping methods, recipes for cocktails and tasty accompaniments, as well as a number of reviews on the absinthes currently available for purchase and recommended drinking spots where the absinthe-minded person can visit around the world. And not to be left without additional references, a complete listing of websites, vendors, and literature is compiled in the back of the book. For those wishing to delve deeper, an entire chapter has been devoted to the collecting of all things absinthe. For the untrained eye, it may be difficult to distinguish a true antique Eiffel Tower spoon from a modern reproduction, yet the chapter on collectibles provides the reader with detailed clues on what to look for, what to avoid, and general asking prices. Not to be ignored is the lithograph poster, the most popular and widely known collectible. Seductive descriptions on the true intent of the ads are discussed with each vibrant piece. Confirmed absinthe drinkers, neophytes, the curious, and collectors will all find this book as equally intriguing, informative, and seductive as the Green Fairy herself. Book jacket.
Take an intimate look into the contemporary world of absinthe. International in scope, Absinthe: The Exquisite Elixir is a visually rich journey into an alluring subculture. Filled with color reproductions of classic and current lithographs, posters, cartoons, as well as photos of antiques, glassware, and other tools of the absinthe drinker, this new and comprehensive guide explains and illustrates the history, culture, and mystique of the drink known as the Green Fairy. The authors provide insights into the controversy and effects of the Green Fairy through the stories of famous connoisseurs, including Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso. In addition to a rich history, this detailed new guide includes recipes, reviews of existing Absinthe brands, and absinthe's contemporary culture and ritual. Confirmed absinthe drinkers, neophytes, the curious, and collectors will all find this book equally intriguing and seductive.
"New Orleans Cuisine: Fourteen Signature Dishes and Their Histories provides essays on the unparalleled recognition New Orleans has achieved as the Mecca of mealtime. Devoting each chapter to a signature cocktail, appetizer, sandwich, main course, staple, or dessert, contributors from the New Orleans Culinary Collective plate up the essence of the Big Easy through its number one export: great cooking. This book views the city's cuisine as a whole, forgetting none of its flavorful ethnic influences--French, African American, German, Italian, Spanish, and more"--Page 2 of cover.
Can you name five military leaders who were transgendered? Twelve cases of involuntary human experimentation by the U.S. government? How about the four porn novels written by famous authors, 11 books left out of the Bible and over 50 side effects of NutraSweet that have been reported to the FDA? In 1977, David Wallechinsky, Irving Wallace and Amy Wallace published The Book of Lists, causing an immediate sensation. Not only did it lead to three direct sequels (in 1980, 1983 and 1993), it also created a new genre. Soon, shelves were lined with The First Original Unexpurgated Authentic Canadian Book of Lists (1978), The Book of Sports Lists (1979) and Meredith’s Book of Bible Lists (1980), among many others. Using this popular, enduring format, Russ Kick’s Disinformation Book of Lists delves into the murkier aspects of politics, current events, business, history, science, art and literature, sex, drugs, death and more. Despite such unusual subject matter, this book presents hard, substantiated facts with full references. Among the lists presented: Innocent People Freed from Prison Members of the Skull & Bones Secret Society at Yale Drugs Pulled Off the Market After They Killed Too Many People Legal Substances that Will Get You High Scenes that Were Cut from Movies Raunchy Songs that Were Never Released Military Officers, Government Officials, Astronauts, and Airline Personnel Who Say UFOs Are Real Words and Phrases No Longer Allowed in Textbooks
An indispensable follow-up to his classic Complete Book of Mixed Drinks, Anthony Dias Blue presents The Complete Book of Spirits, a comprehensive collection of history, lore, and tasting tips, along with recipes for select cocktails. Here, in one concise and easy-to-use volume, is all the information a consumer needs to shop, mix, and sip like a spirits expert. From bathtub gin to mojito madness, Blue brings the dynamic history of the spirits industry alive, demonstrating that spirit making is not only one of mankind's oldest pursuits but also perhaps its most colorful. In ten captivating chapters, readers are treated to everything they ever wanted to know about their favorite liquors, including vodka, aquavit, tequila, and whiskey. Blue also provides step-by-step instructions on how to host spirit tastings to educate your palate and to help you and your friends discover your favorite brands and blends. For every chapter and every spirit, there is also a handy tasting-notes section, with Blue's expert comments and his favorites, along with price points. If you've ever wondered about the difference between potato and wheat vodkas, or between mescal and tequila or American and Irish whiskeys, or what makes single malt Scotch so desirable, look no further. With Anthony Dias Blue, America's leading wine and spirits expert, and The Complete Book of Spirits as your guides, you will take your enjoyment to a new level.
A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In "Wicked Plants," Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature's most appalling creations. It's an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You'll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother). Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.
144 proof, notoriously addictive, and the drug of choice for 19th century poets, absinthe is gaining bootleg popularity after almost a century of being banned. Barnaby Conrad looks at the social history, fact and trivia of this drug.
