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THE MEZCAL RUSH

Name: THE MEZCAL RUSH
Author: Granville Greene
ISBN: 978-1-61902-844-9

EXPLORATIONS IN AGAVE COUNTRY

by Granville Greene ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 14, 2017

A rich, inclusive portrait of one of the world’s great drinks.

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A longtime journalist takes a cultural deep dive into the history and contemporary re-emergence of Mexico’s second-most-famous elixir.

In an industry dominated by agribusiness and liquor wholesalers, the locally cultivated, small-batch character of mezcal is something special. In this debut work of nonfiction, Greene takes his time to narrate the tale, employing journalistic instincts and a keen talent for capturing people’s stories. This is quickly apparent as he shares a drink with two immigrants in his Santa Fe home. “It doesn’t matter if their local hooch tastes good or bad, or if anyone likes it,” he writes. “The drink is a reflection of who they are—and that’s something to be proud of.” From there, Greene describes his evolution from drinking worm-laden mezcal in college to discovering the subtle burn, smokiness, and richness of the nectar cultivated in Mexico’s Oaxaca region, where he spent nine months in 2011. There are a variety of voices represented here, ranging from the artisan producers who use alchemy to craft their wares to two young entrepreneurs hoping to build their fortunes on mezcal in the United States. Greene also incorporates bits of regional history, from the inhabitants’ Zapotec origins to the coming of the Spanish around the 15th century. The author touches on the swinging days of psychedelic tourism that inspired the likes of William Burroughs and Malcolm Lowry, among others. Greene also deftly mixes chemistry and poetry, taking care to reflect on the refining of mezcal as an art as much as a science. Alongside clear but focused descriptions of making mezcal, the author describes it as “drinkable folk art.” Finally, Greene asks pointed questions as he ponders “Columbusing” and the schism between the way mezcal is portrayed and its authentic, indigenous roots.

A rich, inclusive portrait of one of the world’s great drinks.

Pub Date: March 14, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-61902-844-9

Page Count: 256

Publisher: Counterpoint

Review Posted Online: Jan. 15, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2017

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.