Used paperback in good condition. Cover and pages showing minimal wear. Pages showing normal ageing discolouration. Ink signature on title page. 305 pages. Published by Penguin Books, 1962. ISBN n/a.

The world produces over forty thousand millions of gallons of wine each year, equivalent to nearly two gallons for each human being. Although it is all made in much the same way as was the wine that Noah and the Pharaohs drank, a great many refinements of the old methods have been introduced during the last century or two. Much also has been discovered in the last few decades of how the fermentation process is carried on by the wine-yeasts. The process of making spirits was discovered, perhaps by the Arabs, some twelve centuries ago, possibly in an effort to temper the rigours of the Dark Ages.

Wines and Spirits attempts to give a factual account (with 32 illustrations and 18 maps) of the making of these alcoholic drinks, and when the author deviates from purely factual description it is only in order to offer some guidance on the selection of good wines.