I could definitely see this as a "coffee table" book for a bar.
A very trendy, short sectioned, visually stimulating text about ALL things Absinthe.
I've got to say I had many of the same misconceptions and stereotypes associated with absinthe that the author was trying to clear up. Maybe just maybe I'll give the green fairy a try!

I madly adored this cute little walk through the green world of Absinthe. I picked this one up on a lark, full of curiosity for the subject, and awe in the verdant cover. I wasn't disappointed and it was a great diversion for an afternoon. I think people who imbibe it might get more out of it, but for the casual observer it was a quaint little piece of education on the unknown.

Gorgeous microhistory of absinthe and its pretenders. With beautiful photographs of locations, equipment, and utensils as well as reproductions of pictures and prints to support the concise but intriguing history of the drink, Absinthe: the Exquisite Elixir is bound to compel fans of microhistories, the Belle Epoque, spirits, and counterculture.

A captivating book about a fascinating alcoholic beverage: A couple of years ago I was offered a little glass of absinthe at a gathering with friends. I had never heard of absinthe before, but I immediately loved it the moment I smelled it and took my first sip. It was not comparable with any alcoholic beverage I tasted before and I had never heard of its fascinating history. This book is packed with information about the use of absinthe and its history. It is also helpful for choosing good quality brands when buying this elixir. I can only recommend the book.

I found this a through history of absinthe.while dry in some parts i really enjoyed it and learned a lot

As someone who loves absinthe and is fascinated by the history of it, this book was a dream! I've always been intrigued by absinthe, and then when I finally tried it I just fell in love (I love black licorice flavors!). This book provided a fantastic backdrop for understand more about absinthe and all of the history and reputations around it.

I loved that it also included so many recipes for both food and drink to use with absinthe, as I often have trouble finding good recipes to use it with. I also appreciated the engaging format of this book, which included many images and other components that really made this a great experience to read.

If you're at all interested in absinthe or simply love learning about the history of various things, then definitely pick this book up!

The author presented a well-written account of the life and times of Absinthe. As memory best serves, I've never had the pleasure of sampling this elixir. After fortuitously coming across this book I'd decided to see what all the fuss was about. I wasn't disappointed. The text was filled with marvelously dated illustrations that highlighted the historical passing of this time-honored drink. Further enhanced, magnificent drawings added a dash of panache to this book of spirits. From its humble beginnings to today's impact upon the market, the obscure green drink has developed its own niche amongst its select few. For the curious observer among us, I might recommend this book to those who would like to learn everything there is about the mysterious drink - Absinthe.

I send my thanks to NetGalley and Fulcrum Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Great book! so much information and once I purchase a copy for my bar it will be sitting with my Absinthe decanter and glasses. I look forward to doing a more in depth review and testing of the cocktail recipies.

This is a fascinating and meticulously researched book about all aspects of the infamous “exquisite liqueur” absinthe. The book itself is sumptuous with a multitude of gorgeous illustrations relating to absinthe, its accoutrements and rituals, and the times and milieux in which it flourished.
I was given a pdf of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but before I even got to the end of the first chapter, I knew I had to have a hard copy of my own – and bought one to complete my reading, and to write my review.
If I could pick one time and place in history to go to, it would, without a shadow of a doubt, be Paris in 1900. I would visit the Exposition Universelle, watch the first modern Olympics and wallow in the glorious Art Nouveaux. Now, after having reading this book, I would also dally in the Parisian cafés, and delicately sip my perfectly prepared glass of absinthe, nodding politely to the passing artists and literary figures.
Absinthe was at the centre of the Belle Epoque – all over Europe, and further afield – but especially in Paris. It was affordable, ubiquitous and very alcoholic. It soon became the drink of the masses, quickly followed by a rash of cheap, adulterated fake absinthes contributing to its tarnished reputation as a conduit to madness and debauchery.
In France it was an unlikely coalition of the temperance movement, and of wine producers and aficionados that campaigned against absinthe, and eventually brought about its ban: “the two groups collaborated to fund widely distributed propaganda that portrayed absinthe as a poison and squarely to blame for society’s ills”. The French ban in 1914 (sale and consumption) and 1915 (production) followed bans in Switzerland in 1910 (the other big absinthe producer), Belgium, Brazil and USA (where it was known as the “green curse of France”).
Absinthe disappeared from the world stage for nearly a century, until its rebirth around the turn of the new millennium. Interestingly enough it was the wonderful (much maligned) EU, that lifted the bans on absinthe in 1988,when rationalising the European regulations on alcoholic products, though it was not until after 2000 that genuine absinthe began to be distilled and circulated again, with the French ban on production being finally fully lifted in 2009.
I have a bottle of absinthe – or at least thought I had. Thanks to this book, I now know it is one of the Czech fakes that bounced into the market in the 1990s. It is green, bitter and very alcoholic, but does not louche (turn opaque when water is added). I used to drink it straight (quel horreur!), in very small amounts, so never noticed. Now, I want the real stuff, a genuine absinthe spoon, and a sugar cube so I can finally enjoy this liqueur as it deserves to be drunk. I am planning a trip to Portobello Market to try and get the right bits and bobs (all outlined in this book, though will probably skip the absinthe fountain).
The book has a number of absinthe cocktail recipes and food with absinthe recipes, but frankly, they do seem like a waste of a good drink. However, they are important to include to complete the absinthe story.
To end the book, there are reviews of genuine absinthe brands accompanied by pictures of the bottles, so you know what to look out for.
I can’t think of anything that this book lacks. It is a real joy to read: a feast for the eyes, brain and imagination. Buy a copy and get hooked (not literally – absinthe is not addictive, and doesn’t drive you insane).

Let me begin with this: this is a beautiful reference. Absolutely gorgeous. This is the kind of book that you should pick up if you want something unique and eye catching.

I asked to read this book because I honestly don't know a lot about Absinthe, the one time I had it I did not like it because it had a black licorice taste to it. But, for cocktail fans, its something to at least be aware of. And it is a very, very old drink.

I didn't try to make my own Absinthe, but I loved learning the history of it, how it has been involved in the recent revival, and just how it is made. Absinthe is a unique alcohol that has been around since the dark ages, believed to have mystical properties.

This was a great read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested.

Note: I did receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.

ABSINTHE is a surprisingly beautiful book with gorgeous photographs and illustrations and retro ads, filled with every bit of knowledge you could ever want about this historically significant drink. 5/5 for a lush tour of a definitely acquired taste!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

#Absinthe #NetGalley

This is an extremely pretty book, and one that neatly encapsulates the glamorous aesthetic so long associated with absinthe. Absinthe has perhaps the most interesting history of all spirits, with the Green Fairy being synonymous with art and bohemia. I only had this nebulous idea of Parisian decadence, but the anecdotes in this book are fascinating, and you can tell that the authors have a real passion for the drink. My favourite part of this whole book, though, was the collection of advertisements and ephemera. The sheer variety and richness of the advertising material puts modern day advertising to shame!

'Absinthe' would make a beautiful gift for someone who loves cocktails, or for those who are interested in the history of artists and writers and their lives.

When a book is perfect in everyway there is little that can be said but read it. If you love to read the history of beverage alcohol, about the European social life of the 19th and 20th century or the history of high art and commerce this book is a must. Poetry, music and painting have all had their hand in paying homage to the glory of this very strong and unique tasting beverage Absinthe. This book runs the entire length of the history of the product and touches on every aspect of it. Absinthe, the bête noir of the beverage alcohol world, comes out for the shadows and delights the reader. This book combines great writing and beautiful pictures.

A very well done history book on absinthe. I've never drink absinthe myself, but finding out more about it's history was interesting.

I have always had a thing for absinthe. Have I ever tried it? Well, no, I heard it tastes like licorice and just, no... but it just seemed to fit in with my fascination with Belle Epoque Paris, eighteenth-century New Orleans, and Anne Rice. It had the reputation of stoking the creativity of many artists and performers of the time. They called it "the green fairy"! Plus it was illegal - there must be something awesome about it. And the flaming sugar cube on the special spoon just made it seem that much cooler. Well, I found out that the correct way to imbibe absinthe doesn't actually involve fire. Oh well.

Anyway, this book is beautiful; full of Belle Epoque posters, postcards, and advertisements as well as pictures of antique absinthe-ware, including the spoons but also fountains (for dripping the water), special glasses for serving, and bottles specially made for measuring. A brief history of absinthe is woven around the photos.

It also includes some recipes for cocktails and even foods featuring absinthe and winds up with reviews of current brand offerings. Because absinthe is legal now! But it still tastes like licorice, so all romantic ideas aside, I'll probably avoid it.

But the book is gorgeous - I will definitely be looking out for a hardcover when it's released.

I am not really a fan of alcohol, but I have always wanted to try absinthe, with its rich history linked to many famous artists, it has a sort of romantic mysticism that most boozes lack. This book is rich in art and history all about this famous green drink, dispelling myths and giving true accounts of what it really is (and no, it won't make you hallucinate) and how best to enjoy it. If you have a passing curiosity in the drink or just want a very specific text on a consumables history, give this book a read!

sumptuous artwork and history of the dance and chase of the Green Fairy

Absinthe: The Exquisite Elixir was a captivating read that encompassed a thorough history of the drink, its preparation and paraphernalia, recommended modern brands, and even recipes. Absinthe has always held appeal for me. I first tried some in the Czech Republic about 15 years ago; although, reading this book, it looks like the one I tried was a cheaper imitation, not the real thing, which makes me all the more interested in finding a traditional version to sample. The book's presentation is beautiful, with plenty of colour illustrations that complement the text, and I would recommend this for anyone interested in the history and culture of this famous beverage.

As a long time fan of absinthe and its history, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I've tried most of the types that were reviewed at the end of the book and this is certainly one of the world's more... unique... drinks. Modern absinthe isn't its historical predecessor (and thank god for that in some cases - like no mercury or lead...) and that has taken some of the bite out of it in terms of interest. For those who enjoy a unique spirit, with a licorice flavor, and a sense of style and preparation - this book is certainly a wonderful tour.