Garrett Peck: best books about Prohibition

Garrett Peck is the author of the recently released The Prohibition Hangover: Alcohol in America from Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet.

One title from his list of the best books about Prohibition:

Frederick Lewis Allen published Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920's in 1931, and many consider it the best book written about that decade. Chapter X is called "Alcohol and Al Capone," a great summary penned during Prohibition on why the "noble experiment" was such a colossal failure. Allen writes as a journalist, not an academic, and his prose is excellent.

Read about the other books on Peck's list.

Garrett Peck is a freelance journalist who has written mostly within the alcohol industry trade circles. Based in Washington, D.C., he also regularly conducts tours of historic sites that hold a significant place in the temperance movement in and around the district.

Among the praise for The Prohibition Hangover:

"The culture of prohibition promotes irresponsible drinking, putting health and even life at greater risk. Kudos to Garrett Peck for advancing this unpleasant yet unassailable truth with a convincing combination of fact and verve. Impeccably researched and written in a most engaging style, The Prohibition Hangover brings us face-to-face with those who would have us continue down the path of righteousness, and shows us how, far too often, that path can lead to treacherous results."
--John M. McCardell, Jr., President Emeritus, Middlebury College, founder and president of Choose Responsibility

"The Prohibition Hangover is an excellent book in every way: it is well researched, thoughtful, and entertaining to read. From discussions of policies since Prohibition to Americans' tastes for drinks throughout the decades, this book will be of interest to anyone interested in alcohol."
--Edward Stringham, Trinity College, and author of "No Booze? You May Lose"

"Garrett Peck effectively captures the essence of America's love/hate relationship with alcoholic beverages. While some of his conclusions are controversial, his book is well-written and comprehensive."
--Dan Tearno, industry executive

"A great summary of the social trends that are shaping the consumption of alcohol in America today ... and likely far into the future."
--Dave Pickerell, former Master Distiller and VP, Operations, Maker's Mark Distillery

Visit Garrett Peck's website.

Garrett Peck's best books about Prohibition.

--Marshal Zeringue