There are a lot of books on absinthe out there, a daunting choice if you're keen to learn more. We've reviewed some of our favourites, and included some extracts on important topics, to help you out. Our all-time top book on absinthe, Absinthe: History in a Bottle by Barnaby Conrad III, you can get here on the Sebor Absinth TM website. Otherwise they're all available on amazon.com.
Absinthe: History in a Bottle
Author: Barnaby Conrad III
First published: 1988
Without a doubt the best and most comprehensive book on absinthe that's out there. Conrad moves you through the fascinating debates, myths and hysteria surrounding absinthe with light-hearted ease, and juicy anecdotes with artistic and literary absintheurs abound. A joy to read, and a must for anyone keen to learn more about our illustrious green fairy. In fact, we like it so much that you can buy it here on our website.
The Book of Absinthe: A Cultural History
Author: Phil Baker
First published: 2001
This is a great book, and according to online reviews lots of absintheurs would proudly place it on their shelves right next to Conrad's book. Baker takes a darker approach to the subject than Conrad, looking at Aleister Crowley's association of absinthe with black magic, and tingeing his anecdotes and accounts with black humour. No pretty pictures though.
Absinthe: Sip of Seduction
Authors: Betina J. Wittels and Robert Hermesch
First published: 2003
This book doesn’t cover the history of absinthe as comprehensively as Conrad, but it is a visually gorgeous book. There are brilliant reproductions of absinthe posters, and all the absinthe paraphernalia. Another plus is its look at the contemporary status of absinthe: the best places to drink it in Europe, cocktail recipes, current celebrity absintheurs. This is a rewarding, easy read.
Absinthe: The Cocaine of the Nineteenth Century
Author: Doris Lanier
First published: 1995
This gives a very thorough history of absinthe, but without the conversational tone of Conrad’s book, making it less easy to read. It covers the history of absinthe in the US in some detail, particularly in New Orleans which was the hub of absinthe-drinking in the US before the ban. A good choice for an intelligent, well-constructed history of the drink, but be warned, it’s a bit dry at times.
Hideous Absinthe: A History of the Devil in a Bottle
Author: Jad Adams
First published: 2004
Again, this is a thorough exploration of the history of absinthe. It's balanced and informative, juxtaposing artists' view of the legendary effects of absinthe, with the unreliability of scientific assertions about the severity of absinthe's effects, looking to burst both bubbles. However, Adams arguably takes his myth-busting a little too seriously, and risks spoiling the fun.
Absinthe: The Green Goddess
Author: Aleister Crowley
First published by Holmes Publishing Group: 1995
At number six only because it is a fraction of the length of the others, this little pamphlet is well worth the read. It consists of Crowley’s rambling thoughts during an evening spent at an absinthe bar in New Orleans, and gives some great insights into absinthe, as well as his theories on prohibitionism, and wonderful descriptions of the café itself. Crowley was an occultist and mystic, and highly intelligent, producing fascinating and influential works. It’s only short – give it a go!
