Absinthe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Apart from the nice cover, I wanted to read this book because having read the blurb I immediately thought: true, what do I really know about absinthe? I mean, apart from the fact that anyone who'd dared to drink it when I was in my late teens was a badass?

This book was way more than I thought it would be, though. It doesn't only contain a detailed description of the drink and its history, but also many stories about people who either drank or produced it. People completely unknown by me, but more who were/are famous, and I've heard a lot about. Not these absinthe-related stories, though.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about absinthe, but would also enjoy a feel of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century through it!

I really found this book to be an interesting look through the history of Absinthe, and through its informative side of dispelling old myths, etc. I loved that Wittels and Breaux took the time to explain their relationships with Absinthe so that you knew in advance where their views and interest was coming from, but also because it showed that there was a hands on background (it's hard to take a history lesson from someone with no past).

Absinthe: The Exquisite Elixir by Betina J Wittels and edited by T.A. Breaux is both a history of and a tribute to absinthe.

Just looking at this book makes me feel like I am ready to enjoy some good company and some absinthe, and make no mistake, absinthe is best shared with good company. It is tempting to say that the pictures are beautiful, which many are (even, or maybe especially, those of equipment for the making of absinthe), but that is just part of the appeal. The pictures are chosen and displayed to accompany the text wonderfully with historical pictures displayed strategically.

The history covers the basic story with an eye toward correcting myths and misunderstandings about the drink. The story of absinthe is fascinating, both in itself and with its reception by so many famous people.

There are also some wonderful recipes, both cocktail and food. I am eager to try the Absinthe Vegetarian Linguini. Finally, there is a review section that reviews many of the brands available, how best to enjoy each and what to expect from each.

I would recommend this to people who enjoy books about food and spirits, as well as anyone curious about absinthe in particular. It would make a great coffee table book. All in all this book is a great resource as well as a nice looking book.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

This was a fantastic brief guide written for nearly everyone, from individuals who are present day imbibers to those curious souls who are wondering what absinthe is and why it has the reputation it has. I fall into the second group with very little knowledge about this mysterious and unique liquor that has entices and enthralls many throughout history. This book explores how absinthe is part of creating wondrous art, literature and music, to becoming the ruin of lives therefore becoming itself banned.
It was interesting to see how absinthe could inspire (or become obsessed for) many people of the literature and the art world. A few I found really exciting were Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. This pretty booklet had sections of important facts marked through-out, along with artwork to illustrate the history of absinthe, from the beginning of it's creation to present day. I highly enjoyed it, and marked a few interesting facts to look up at a later date.

This little book would be a perfect compendium for any beginner who wants to become a connoisseur of absinthe or a collector of antique paraphernalia associated with its use. Absinthe was illegal just about everywhere in the world for nearly a century, but in many countries the ban has been lifted in recent years. It became legal again in the U.S. in 2007.

The first two-thirds or so of the book covers the history of absinthe. Then there are chapters dealing with the collecting of historic absinthe accoutrements, recipes for cocktails and food dishes using absinthe, and a section with reviews of currently available varieties of absinthe to help you get started enjoying products of good quality.

I was primarily interested in the history of absinthe. I wanted to find out what was true and what was myth about its effects. Why was it banned? Was it dangerous? Did it really make people go blind, or go mad, or die? This book gave me just the right amount of history to satisfy my curiosity and help me understand how authentic absinthe was and is distilled.

The paintings and photos and advertising art throughout the book made this a delightful reading experience.