Il Vino: Undici conferenze fatte nell'inverno dell'anno 1880

This collection brings together eleven scholars who each speak on a single theme, forming a lively winter series of public lectures from 1880. The opening address drifts through mythic origins, comparing the vine’s legendary status to ancient gods and heroic tales, setting a tone that mixes poetry with curiosity. From there the volume moves into more concrete territories: the chemistry of fermentation, the botanical life of the grape, and the ways wine has shaped customs across cultures.

Midway the contributors turn to the practical and the perilous. One examines the market forces and trade routes that carried the drink worldwide, while another surveys the health implications, both beneficial and hazardous, that have long accompanied a glass. A forensic perspective even explores how wine appears in crime, suicide and madness, offering a startling glimpse into its darker shadows.

The final talks explore wine’s influence on the human mind and spirit, from the lyrical verses of poets to the subtle psychological effects felt by drinkers. Listeners will find a blend of scholarly insight and vivid storytelling that makes the subject feel both timeless and surprisingly modern.