Customer Reviews

Arthur's Round: The Life and Times of Brewing Legend Arthur Guinness

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This is an extremely thorough and detailed look at the origins of one of the most famous Irish families of the modern era, and one of the most well-established global brands; written by one of the members of the family to boot.

Patrick Guinness has certainly done his research - digging through the family archives as well as reams of other original source material he confidently paints a complete picture of Arthur Guinness (the first Guinness to brew the stuff for which Guinness is now synonymous) and the times in which he lived.

Starting with Arthurs's ancestors and putting right some common misconceptions about the Guinness family's origins, geographically, socio-economically and brewing(ly), he uses Arthur's story as an example of how many, at this point in Ireland's history, managed to find success in Dublin in spite of more humble beginnings.

The story ends, largely, with Arthur's death (sorry if I've ruined the ending for any of you). Overall this is a meticulously well researched book which manages to tell many tales in one, the two primary ones being Arthur's story and the story of Ireland itself, throughout the period in question.

The flip-side of that same coin, however, is that this is not a pleasant biographical read such as we might see published on some current titan of business. This is a historically heavyweight book, its amusing cover art notwithstanding, and I was surprised at how dry and academic it was in many places (I could have done with a Guinness or two while I was reading it). Patrick Guinness also used this opportunity to correct, and in some instances berate, some previous biographers' alleged mistakes, misconceptions, presumptions and blunders. At first his tone was amusing but by the end of the book it had grown somewhat tiresome.

That said, I ploughed through the drier parts and am glad that I did - it's a fascinating read from all sides and I highly recommend it to anyone; almost as heartily as I recommend a pint of the black stuff itself.

Slainte.

I very much enjoyed this book. But the reader must be warned that this is a book about Ireland at the time of Arthur Guinness, not a book about beer. If one is looking for "secrets" about the perfect pint, look elsewhere. If, however, one is fascinated by the history of Ireland, then read on.

Arthur and his brewery are thoroughly examined within the context of the greater Irish history. Due to his social standing, the direct historical information about Arthur is a bit thin. So much of the book deals with what was happening in Ireland during Arthur's life and how that may have influenced his course. There is plenty enough about Arthur himself, but sometimes the author needs to speculate and he is quite clear when he is doing so.

In short, if you are a fan of Irish history this is an excellent read, particularly as it examines the patriot vs loyalist vs protestant vs Catholic miasma that lead to the failed rebellion.

Note: The edition I read was a paperback printed in Great Britain. It was much more robust than American paperbacks, which seem intended for a single reading.