I had the idea that part of my playing at training brewery staff might be to recommend the beginnings of a library. I figure most long distance sales rep and junior brewers have plenty of hours to flip through the pages of text books. I just needed to figure out which ones to select. Right? Then they'll immediately be converted into book wormery. Right?
I figured I had a tough job on my hands. Then I turned on my computer this evening and found that Martyn had posted a piece mere hours ago entitled "How to be a Beer Historian in Just 10 Books" and soon I was in that golden place where I know that someone else has done the heavy lifting already. Except I was not thinking of only beer history and specifically not British brewing history as a focus for my young students. So, here for now is the beginning of my list of works in no particular order to build a beer library around:
- Beer in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance by Richard W. Unger
- A History of Beer and Brewing by Hornsey
- Booze by Craig Heron
- The Brewmaster's Table by Garrett Oliver
- The English Pub by Michael Jackson.
- Three Sheets to the Wind by Pete Brown
- Brewing with Wheat by Stan Hieronymus
I won't repeat my book reviews or references, other than care of the links above, but there is some reasoning behind it. You have to remember that the class in question meets in Canada so Heron's book is essential to understanding why a brewer in Ontario finds himself or herself where they do in relation to everything from styles and laws. Pete's second book is a genial introduction to the world's relationship with ales and lagers. Brewing With Wheat by Stan will give an example of the latest thinking about style largely from the brewer's perspective. The English Pub is Jackson's best and most accessible book which focuses on the consumer's experience in a context analogous or at least related to the British North American scene. The Brewmaster's Table is the best statement on the current key trend in beer marketing even if it is not one I would rely on too heavily. And the work of both Unger and Honsey is stunning in both their scale and detail.
There are many more books to add. This is only the start of the library. But I think this selection displays the range of text that are out there. What would you add?
Comments
the beer wench - June 3, 2010 2:13 AM
I would say a book by Lucy Saunders deserves space on a beer book shelf. Cooking with Beer? Grilling with Beer? The Best of American Beer & Food? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Saunders
Cheers!
Patrick Hirlehey - June 3, 2010 10:01 AM
Brewed in Canada: the untold story of Canada's 350-year-old brewing industry by Allen Winn Sneath. An interesting look at Canada's brewing heritage. Also, since it was printed in 2001, there is so much that is not in the book that has happened in the last 9 years, it interesting to see how brewing in Canada has changed, and how the macros became so macro.
Shamas - June 3, 2010 12:21 PM
As a homebrewer I admit these are slanted towards brewing, but they also have a good dose of history and info on specific commercial beers:
Brew Like a Monk by Stan Hieronymus
Classic Beer Styles: Barley Wine by Allen & Cantwell
Jeff Alworth - June 4, 2010 1:40 PM
Maureen Ogle's recent book is indispensable.
Alan - June 4, 2010 2:34 PM
Thanks all. Keep them coming.
Stan Hieronymus - June 5, 2010 5:37 PM
Alan - Let me be the first author to show up and say thanks for putting my book on your list ;>)
Looking over my shelves I must admit I have an awful lot of books that are specialized or technical (or both) so I'll suggest one I'm looking forward to: "Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition" by Daniel Okrent. Which I hope to get for Father's Day.
Then I'll probably be pulling "Facing Along the Bar" off the shelf and re-reading it.
Gary Gillman - June 6, 2010 11:39 AM
Michael Jackson's World Guide To Beer. As fine a book as The English Pub is, World Guide To Beer is a comprehensive look at world beer styles and as a bonus is beautifully written and illustrated. Michael's later books are often more detailed and up-to-date, but that first book is a modern classic and no one has equaled it since.
Gary
todd kuipers - June 13, 2010 11:30 PM
While I am not a brewer to any extend, beyond simple dabbling and horning in on other's activities, the one beer book that I've returned to more than any other, strangely enough, is George Fix's Principles of Brewing Science. Understanding where things can go wrong, with the organic chem to back it up, has made it a lasting book for me. (It's also outside the content of your starter list.)
And, since I'm here, the CamRA West Coast USA Good Beer Guide is one of the most entertaining books I've read. Well worth picking up, even if you're not heading down the Pacific coast.
Of course anything by Pete Brown, but you already tagged him.
Thanks much Alan - I'm going to track down your list.