Drunk: How People Wanted to Throw a Party but Built a Civilization

The author of the book, renowned cognitive psychologist Edward Slingerland, invites us to look at familiar things in a new way. Pleasure and enjoyment, in his opinion, should be seen 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 thousands of years, people have displayed wonders of ingenuity to achieve the coveted goal - to obtain a drink that can cheer them up, facilitate communication, and, most importantly, help adapt to existence in a challenging environment and cope with all difficulties. But while in small doses alcohol is our assistant and friend, in large doses it becomes a sworn enemy and destroyer. Why is this happening? Can we maximize the benefits of intoxicating substances while controlling their harsh consequences?
In a lighthearted and humorous manner, Slingerland answers these questions. He takes the reader on an exciting journey through the past, joyfully recounting drinking traditions in modern societies, and furthermore, explaining how humans in the future can make alcohol a factor of social progress.