Absinthe, Sip of Seduction: A Contemporary Guide [Paperback]

Betina Wittels (Author), Robert Hermesch (Author), T. A. Breaux (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2008

This visually rich journey into an alluring subculture takes an intimate look into the contemporary world of absinthe. With color reproductions of lithographs, posters, postcards, cartoons, antiques, and tools of the absinthe drinker, Absinthe explains the history, culture, and mystique of the drink known as the Green Fairy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Betina Wittels is a family psychotherapist in Tucson, Arizona. She is one of the leading vendors of absinthe antiques in the United States and is a broker for absinthe vendors worldwide.

Robert Hermesch is a former book editor and teacher. Currently, he is a social worker and lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

T. A. Breaux is a chemist and one of the leading experts on absinthe's chemical makeup. He is the founder of the Société International d'Absinthe, a rapidly growing worldwide organization that caters to absinthe connoisseurs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Speck Pr; 2 Revised edition (August 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933108215
• ISBN-13: 978-1933108216
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,080,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Style and Substance: The best absinthe book on the market, December 4, 2003

By 

Joe Termini (Philadelphia, Pa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Absinthe: Sip of Seduction: A Contemporary Guide (Paperback)

If you are asking yourself, what is absinthe? Why are people talking about it? What makes it so special? Can I try some? What brands should I chose? This is the book for you. Other books on the subject delve further into the history; but Sip of Seduction gives you the full picture of what absinthe is all about, yesterday and today. Looking through the wonderful collection of original poster art and photographs, you get the sense that in its heyday, the absinthe scene was stylish and intense; and this book reflects that in the beauty of its production. But you'll also see that a new scene, perhaps less stylish but equally cool is beginning to take root, mostly in Europe but increasingly in the US as well. While I use the book to try different brands and learn about antique absinthe stuff I can buy, usually I just lose myself in the images. I can't recommend it enough.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A welcome addition!, September 16, 2005

By 

S. J. Decker (Hollywood, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Absinthe: Sip of Seduction: A Contemporary Guide (Paperback)

I disagree with the previous reviewers' statement of `if you already have Conrad(`s book "Absinthe - History in a Bottle") there's no reason to buy Wittels's book as well.' On the contrary, anyone seriously interested in not only the history of absinthe, but also it's modern use and cultural impact, should own both.

While `Sip of Seduction' may not be as erudite as Conrad's work, I would venture to guess that such wasn't Wittel's aim.

`Sip of Seduction,' while serving as an engaging introduction to the fairy, provides information (i.e., culinary delicacies to accompany the ritual, reviews of currently available absinthes, lists of modern suppliers) that other publications on the subject do not. Add to that the myriad engaging reprints of classic absinthe advertisements, related paintings, photography of absinthiana (spoons, fountains, bonques) modern absinthes (and reviews), as well as an enthusiastic and breezy writing style, and you have a book that is a welcome addition to any absintheur's library.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Absynthe, August 11, 2005

By 

A. Levenson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Absinthe: Sip of Seduction: A Contemporary Guide (Paperback)

Beautifully designed, this introduction & overview of absynthe is definitely worth a look. Very educational - has addresses of absynthe bars worldwide, pictures of paraphernalia, brand information. Lovely artwork adorns most pages & the information prompts one to delve more into the green fairy's history. Loved it.