The Comic Book Story of Beer

September 7, 2015
Graphic histories can be hit or miss, but it’s hard to go wrong with a comic book history of the world’s favorite beverage. Taking us from ancient fermentation processes to today’s craft breweries, authors Hennessey (The U.S. Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation) and Smith present us with an engaging look at the importance of beer in our cultural history. With meticulous research, the authors open the readers’ minds to the possibility that beer helped shape the course of civilization, not only by sharing the provocative “beer theory of agriculture” but showing how, in each age, beer played a significant role in helping shape human affairs. McConnell’s illustrations are a perfect accompaniment; his sometimes amusing, sometimes intriguing, and sometimes provocative visuals have all the qualities of this favorite beverage. The abundance of interesting little details in these illustrations pair well with the wealth of information that the authors provide.

November 15, 2015

Beer can be any alcoholic drink made from fermented grain--and historically has encompassed a huge variety of techniques and ingredients, worldwide. Although postwar industrial standardization yielded a near-monopoly of mild-flavored, uniform brews among English speakers from the 1950s to the 1970s, today's craft brewing returns beer to its roots: a drink with many manifestations, "virtually a blank canvas for both auteur and dilettante artists." Hennessy (The U.S. Constitution) and brewer Smith include in their chronicle pointed stories about beer's role in politics and religion, intercut with profiles of individual beers. While the complex narrative doesn't always flow smoothly, their wide grasp of the subject and the fascinating details make for engrossing reading. McConnell's (The U.S. Constitution) classic color art mixes realism with metaphoric depictions. However, a glossary, time line, more source notes, and a brief bibliography would have been useful. VERDICT Drinkers will savor this wide-ranging introduction to beer as a gateway to increased enjoyment of the beverage and perhaps additional reading elsewhere.--M.C.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2015
Starting with beer's instrumental role in early civilization, Hennessey and Smith's history of the beverage is thorough and dense, covering everything from the science behind the brewing process, to its early development in different cultures, to the origin of some prejudices against beer drinkers. Scattered throughout the book are cheat sheets on types of beer, jammed with facts about history, flavors, pairings, and alcohol content. With so much information, packed into relatively small text, even seasoned beer experts will walk away with some new knowledge about their favorite drink. McConnell's full-color illustrations resemble typical comic-book art, and, for the most part, it's an effective medium for the content, though some occasionally odd artistic choices are more jarring than engaging. Although some scenes with heavy outlining and shadowing appear a bit dull, spreads detailing brewing processes and types of beer appealingly resemble infographics. Still, ale aficionados will savor the in-depth information and brainy approach, and they may even find themselves inspired to brew some of their own. A heady, entertaining glimpse into a timeless tipple.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)