Gin: The Much Lamented Death of Madam Geneva

by Patrick Dillon

Book Overview

A harrowing chronicle of England's early-eighteenth century 'gin craze.--The Atlantic Monthly This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932112006
• ISBN13: 9781932112009
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Justin, Charles and Company
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Novel about Gin

My husband who loves gin and tonics and has also researched every kind of gin available really enjoyed reading this book. Although he is a true "historian" and not big on fiction this novel was a fast read and informational. For the person who has everything and loves to read.

There aren't any hints for the perfect martini

Patrick Dillon's account of the Gin Craze of the 18th century is an informative, well-written, and lively account of the social problems surrounding the introduction of high-octane spirits into English society. He provides enough names-and-dates for demanding historians without being pedantic. Mr. Dillon describes in detail the great toll 'Madame Geneva' took on the poor: the spirit's maiming and blinding qualities (turpentine was a favorite flavoring agent after all); the destruction of the social fabric; the ill-begotten reform attempts. (I did find myself wishing he had more fully described when gin cleaned up its act and became a respectable liquor; maybe that will be in the sequel!). Mr. Dillon pointedly closes his book with the lesson that those who don't know history are destined to repeat it: the war on drugs has failed, just as previous attempts at prohibition have failed.