Obviously well researched, the author tries to have fun with the idea that getting drunk is not a social ill, but quite the opposite is a evolutionary desire of humans and society. The book comes off as equal parts dissertation and attempt to emulate Mary Roach (including the one word title).
I wanted to love this book, but the repitition of metaphors and ideas made reading it become more and more of a chore than a joy. I found myself, more than once, starting to skim the book instead of really take it in and to be shocked at how little I would feel like I had progressed after an hour or more reading.
That being said, if you like to see history, sociology, evolution, and psychology all bright to bear on an activity that most around the world engage in, this would be a good book to church out. I would suggest reading the sections according to what you want to know more about than go front-to- back thrift the whole thing. The sections make this easier and might make the read more enjoyable.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

It’s not something that I would normally read, but I found it to be interesting and fun.

I liked the writing style and a learned a lot of new information I didn’t know I needed.

Wow! Drunk is an excellent book on the science of alcohol, packed with academic information, studies, research, and facts on everyone's favorite beverage. From the evolutionary origins of a hangover, to how the body metabolizes alcohol, to the metaphoric purpose of 'beer goggles,' this book has it.

Loved this book. Teetotalers too will find something of value here if they are open-minded.
I reviewed this for New Scientist.. An excerpt:
If intoxicants were merely hijacking pleasure centres in the brain by triggering the release of “reward” chemicals, or if they were once adaptive but are vices now, then evolution would have put the kibosh on our taste for these chemicals, says the author. So, what is going on?

"Slingerland, a philosopher at the University of British Columbia in Canada, has a novel thesis, arguing that by causing humans “to become, at least temporarily, more creative, cultural, and communal… intoxicants provided the spark that allowed us to form truly large-scale groups”. In short, without them, civilisation might not have been possible.

This may seem an audacious claim, but Slingerland draws on history, anthropology, cognitive science, social psychology, genetics and literature, including alcohol-fuelled classical poetry, for evidence. He is an entertaining writer, synthesising a wide array of studies to make a convincing case."



Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25033372-300-drunk-review-could-alcohol-induced-creativity-be-key-to-civilisation/#ixzz6wjqaUYg1

My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advanced copy of this book.

In wine there might be truth, but an overabundance can lead to health issues, unpleasantness in front of friends and loved ones, possible crimes, and even death. But how different would civilization be without he juice of the grape and the barley.
In Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization, Edward Slingerland covers humanity's love of intoxication, mostly alcohol, but mentions of pharmaceutical and other natural feel goods are mentioned. Mr. Slingerland's approach is both historical, distilling might have come before agriculture in gathering people and tribes together. Also he covers the affects and effects of alcohol on society and on a human being, the physiology, the human brain, and also how it helps or hinders creativity, social bonding and understanding. A night out with the gang or some co-workers might be better for a person, and career than suspected.

The book is interesting and well written. Mr. Slingerland covers his themes from both sides but never beats the reader over the head. Imbibing and abstaining can do this, or that. He leaves it to the reader to either go beyond their preconceptions, or not. The facts, personal stories, even poems from various cultures and eras all meld well and make this a very enjoyable read. Perfect for a burgeoning brew master or a gift for the host that always seems to have the best parties.