Great American Beer: 50 Brands That Shaped the 20th Century

William Bradford described landing at Plymouth Rock: "We could not now take time for further search...our victuals being much spent, especially our beer..." It was probably the last time folks ran out of beer in America, but the truth is that until the great waves of immigration from the German states in the 1840's, other alcoholic potables like cider were much more important. This new wave of immigrants made beer, drank it, and the industry grew and grew to annual consumption of about 180 million barrels today. Christoper O'Hara describes 50 classic American beers that he claims "shaped the 20th century" in this entertaining and fact filled little book. He describes beer's place in American society and its evolution from the first settlers to bring Bavarian yeast across the Atlantic in the mid-1800s, to the major brands that dominate store shelves today. His collection of fifty classic American beers are the essence of the book: Olde Frothingslosh and Schaefer, Buckeye and Lowenbrau, Lucky Lager, even the short-lived Billy Beer. This book doesn't cover artisan or hand crafted beers; O'Hara focuses on beers with marketing and sales oomph -- "the beers to have when you're having more than one." Each beer gets its own biography, complete with history, location and advertising jingles. There are excellent product photos and original advertising, and the book is packed with beer trivia. Slogans abound: "Just the kiss of the hops." "Whale of an Ale for the Pale Stale Male." "From the land of sky blue waters." "The one beer to have when you're having more than one." O'Hara has become something of an expert on beer since this book was released; recently Fodors printed his reviews of five great places to drink beer. I particularly like the one on Axel's Inn in Milwaukee, a personal stomping ground in my college days long ago: "Since their unofficial slogan is "come for the beer, stay for the cheaper beer," you probably know what to expect from this classic Milwaukee dive bar. Every unimaginably cheap American beer is featured, so take your choice from Busch to a trendy can of $1.50 PBR. If you have enough change leftover, take a stroll through a reasonably decent and eclectic jukebox -- and let the good, cheap times roll." I loved the sly humor in this book, the walk down nostalgia lane, and the illustrations. Robert C. Ross 2007 2008

Gave a little idea of the original beer brewers and what happened to the other ones. What helped shaped the big guys out there like Bud and Miller

I bought this book as a birthday present for my dad and he hasn't stopped telling people about it! I actually had a chance to read it before giving it to him and I was blown away by how thorough the history section is in the beginning. The writing is accessible and not at all boring, and you walk away with some amazing knowledge of American history seen through an entirely new lense. The individual beer profiles are fantastic too. I first picked this book up for its great looks (hardcover plus color artwork throughout makes for such a great, affordable gift for any guy!), but I was really impressed by the intelligent, down-to-earth writing. If you're looking for an inexpensive gift that's a little off the beaten path but really useful and interesting, you can't go wrong with Great American Beer. I was so impressed with this book!!!