Uncorking the past The quest for wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages

Drawing on a tremendous amount of archaeological evidence, McGovern (Univ. of Pennsylvania Museum) traces the origins of alcohol production throughout the world since the start of the Neolithic and identifies the social, spiritual, and economic processes that spurred drinking in early societies. This magnificent study, skillfully written and well illustrated, uses alcohol as a prism through which to explore key issues and debates in world prehistory. McGovern examines traditional archaeological evidence for alcohol production and drinking, such as ceramic storage jars and metal drinking vessels, but also draws on more specialized archaeobotanical and palynological evidence. His particular use of chemical residue analysis of ancient jars to elucidate the origins, methods, and materials of early brewing and fermentation is especially valuable. More importantly, the author calls for a biocultural approach to human prehistory that challenges strict environmental approaches and emphasizes the uniquely human capacity for religion, innovation, and symbolism. The desire for alcoholic beverages was a contributing factor in the development of these human traits. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General audiences, undergraduates, and all serious scholars of archaeology and world prehistory. F. H. Smith College of William and Mary