Bacchus; or, wine to-day and to-morrow

A witty, sweeping look at the politics of the pour, this work dives into the tangled relationship between law, culture and the love of wine. From the chaos of America’s Prohibition era to the stubborn defiance of European vineyards, the author weaves satire and history to show how governments have tried—often unsuccessfully—to curb a centuries‑old pleasure. Along the way, readers encounter colorful critiques of temperance crusades, nationalist experiments, and the paradox of “moral” regimes that end up fueling underground drinking cultures.

The narrative balances erudite commentary with a playful tone, inviting listeners to consider why wine has become both a symbol of refinement and a flashpoint for ideological battles. By tracing the early 20th‑century clash between teetotalers and vintners, the book offers a nuanced portrait of how spirits shape, and are shaped by, the societies that raise them—leaving the listener both informed and amused.