David Wondrich

I was a bartender during college and still love the history of cocktails. I've seen many cocktail books over the years, some of which are better coffee table books than recipe books and some of which provide recipes but nothing else. This book provides both impeccable recipes and an interesting discussion and history lesson as to each drink, all in a relatively slim package. Wondrich's book is probably the best cocktail book I've ever seen and includes some worthy cocktails I'd never even show more head of, when I thought I'd heard of them all by now. This book is both informative and usable and I can't recommend it highly enough, whether you're already a well-informed cocktailian or an introductory reader. show less

Thank you to NetGalley for my Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

First and foremost this book is clearly written by a cocktail aficionado who knows everything there is to know about the history of cocktails and how to make them. I enjoyed the comprehensive history of how and where spirits and cocktails were first created and in some cases why they were created. I also enjoyed the many cocktail recipes scattered throughout the book. But this book is heavy for a graphic novel and I don't mean show more the subject matter. I mean how much text there is. Because there is a lot of text. I'm not sure that the average graphic novel reader from at least my library would check out this book after seeing how text heavy it is. 3.5 stars. show less

I am interested in American pop music, and particularly the African-American stream that contributed to it. This is why I picked up Stomp and Swerve: American Music Gets Hot, 1843-1924 written by David Wondrich.

As an exploration of the development of minstrel music (by both blacks and whites), ragtime, jazz and blues; and how these eventually prevailed over the tamer American music of sentimental waltzs and parlor ballads is fascinating. A big plus is that the author cites by catalogue show more number the early recorded music, and its availability in CD anthologies. In these respects the book is excellent.

Now comes the "however," and it is directed to the author's writing style - which reads as if it were the product of adolescent testosterone or too much booze, or both. The ultimate effect I can only characterize as "cutsie hip," screaming look at me, me, me the totally knows-everything Mr. Cool, and relying heavily on often unnecessary terminology and neologisms for that effect. In fact, his entire style is effect, and it worked strongly against the presentation of content for me. Wondrich's authorial personality finally overwhelmed me about two-thirds of the way through and I gave the book a two week rest. I came back to it reluctantly - but I have to say, the content was too good to miss; and alternately I ploughed and raced through to the end.

The author writes books on "cocktails" the cover copy says, and you would never convince me that he hadn't had too many of said drinks before each session writing this book. A very big drawback, but if you are interested in African-American music and the origins of U.S. pop, take a deep breath and dive in, because on that level it is worth the pain. show less

This was a great companion read to Jerry Thomas's original "How to Mix Drinks", kudos to J. for the awesome combo present. :-) This book expands upon the 1800's version, updating things, giving some more history and adding in lots of new cocktails. I made the brandy cocktail from this book (not sure why I didn't make it from the original) and it was delicious.