The Business of Beer in the Renaissance
I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture last night by Richard W. Unger about the history of the beer industry. Having read several books about the history of beer, I can’t say I learned anything revolutionary during the 1.5 hour talk, but it was very informative and interesting.
Richard Unger is a professor at the University of British Colombia has written several books on the Renaissance, and most recently, about beer.
His basic theme is that the changes that took place during the Renaissance in technology, culture, etc. changed beer as a drink and as an industry so much that it would be completely unrecognisable to drinkers before that time peroid.
He got me thirsty for more. I’ll probably pick up his book.