Drunk. How people wanted to throw a party but built a civilization

The author of the book, renowned cognitive psychologist Edward Slingerland, offers a new perspective on familiar things. Pleasures and enjoyments, in his opinion, should be viewed from the perspective of evolutionary necessity. Having accumulated a wealth of fascinating material on the history of alcohol, the scholar paints a comprehensive picture of the relationship between humans and intoxicating substances.

For millennia, people have shown incredible ingenuity to achieve the coveted goal — to obtain a drink that can uplift, ease communication, and, most importantly, help adapt to existence in a challenging environment and cope with all difficulties. But if, in small doses, alcohol is our helper and friend, in larger ones it becomes a sworn enemy and destroyer. Why does this happen? Can we maximize the benefits of intoxicating substances while controlling their harsh consequences?

In a light, humorous manner, Slingerland answers these questions. He takes the reader on an exciting journey through the past, amusingly recounting drinking traditions in modern societies, and furthermore, explaining how humanity can make alcohol a factor of social progress in the future.