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Making full use of contemporary sources and known statistics, the author describes all the major developments in the wine trade, such as the treaty with Portugal, the setting up of the Douro company and the Gladstone acts. Outside political influences are considered, as are such matters as methods of shipment, customs and excise duties and the production of the wine, particularly its blending. The volume gives a complete picture of a trade which has played a vital part in the development of British economic history and which, by its very nature, has attracted more than its fair share of characters and eccentrics. There are maps, a statistical appendix, a bibliography and an index. -- From publisher's description.