Man Walks Into a Pub: A Sociable History of Beer

"Man Walks into a Pub" is a well researched piece of work from a guy who spent a fair number of years in the booze trade. I bought this book after it was featured in a copy of the Writers' Forum and the author seemed to be a genuine down-to-earth fellow; the kind of regular who you'd be likely to meet in a local bar. It's packed full of anecdotes - for example, the average pint back in 1914 was 8% in strength (compared to 4-5% today). This is the kind of book that your father would enjoy on his birthday, at Christmas or on Father's Day. It's a read for the man who probably has just about everything and you can't think of what to get him. It covers economic, social and business aspects of alcohol. Even politics is discussed - for example, the UK government's policy towards beer consumption during the two world wars. Overall, an entertaining and informative read.

Wow, so many things I never knew about beer. From it's medieval beginnings to British pubs opening in bombed out buildings during the Blitz to the buy outs, conglomerations and watering down in the tail end of the 20th century. Peter Brown tells the tale as only an enthusiastic beer drinker (as opposed to a beer enthusiast) could tell it. I took a break from my labors of searching for decent beer during the 90's, I emerged in the 21st century to find a world filled with world class beers brewed in the "neighborhood". That was in Texas, Oh forget about Wisconsin. Texas knows beer, while home to only 5% of the population it consumes 20% of the nation's beer. Even their Michelob is better than yours.. Now that I live in St Paul I realize that this is the state of American beer. High quality pushed pints brewed in the basement of the pub you're in, bottled beers brewed right down the street. Enjoy the Renaissance people, crack open one of your favorites, crack open this book and appreciate what a long journey it was to your glass.. The only down side? No "man walks into a pub" jokes..

Reading this book won't cure a hangover, or make you more attractive to women, but it will make you feel less guilty about enjoying your beer - in moderation, of course! The close relationship between beer and civilisation is expounded here in informative, entertaining and often hilarious fashion. The author has a very personable style of writing: I now know a lot more about beer, but I feel I know a little bit about Pete Brown, too. Readers should note that the history is largely UK-centric, but this doesn't detract from the story and the pub photos on the cover of my copy capture the feel of this book perfectly. The recent advertising campaigns mentioned in the text can mostly be found on youtube.com and they're well worth viewing. If, like me, you read and enjoy this title, remember it the next time you are having a quiet one with friends at your local: reflect for a moment on the history in the glass you are holding in your hand - and drink up!

I got this for my uncle whose an avid beer drinker, mostly american. I thought he'd find it humorous to read about the land of pints by an avid british beer drinker. I read the list of words used to describe intoxication, very funny. Many words I might use if one can recall them. I believe he enjoyed it.