Im Rausch der Jahrhunderte

Since the tenth edition of Carl von Linné's Systema Naturae, published in 1758, the term "Homo sapiens" has become established as the species designation for anatomically modern humans. However, the rational human being, as we tend to call ourselves, is far from being always rational by nature. Rather, a look at our history reveals that the "sober" mind necessary for reason has all too often fallen by the wayside. Just like us, our ancestors also liked to help themselves from time to time in order to shake off the imponderables of mundane reality. One of the most "tried and tested" means of overcoming sobriety has always been alcohol. What works on a small scale has - not surprisingly - often played a significant role in world-historical events as well. From Alexander the Great to Charles V, Bismarck and Churchill to our present day, there is an indelible trail of beer, wine, schnapps and liqueur. And even the darker chapters of history, such as wars and genocide, were not insignificantly shaped by the consumption of alcohol. Jochen Oppermann traces this facet of history, which has gone largely unnoticed until today, with the seriousness it deserves and at the same time in an exciting and entertaining way. An ironic undertone now and then may not be missing thereby naturally - finally one is not to take everything so "beer-seriously". The reader can be assured of one thing: there will be no hangover here.