We will be closed from 5pm BST on Friday 28th August 2026 for the late summer bank holiday, re-opening at 8.30am BST on Tuesday 1st September. Any orders placed during this period will be processed when we re-open.
While associated with comfort and pleasure, alcohol has been and is a 'problem' substance, both for medical and political authorities and for many drinkers. In this broad-ranging and innovative historical-sociological investigation, Valverde explores the ways in which both authorities and individual consumers have defined and managed the pleasures and dangers of alcoholic beverages.
The author explores the question of free will versus determinism and how it has been challenged by ideas about addiction, morality and psychology during the last 150 years. The book draws on sources from the US, UK, Canada and elsewhere, and covers topics including nineteenth century 'dipsomania', the history of inebriate homes, Alcoholics Anonymous, fetal alcohol education and liquor control.
It will appeal to readers in legal studies, criminology, sociology, psychology, social theory and the history of medicine. Joint winner of Herbert Jacob's Book Prize for the year 2000.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
Due to a technical issue some ebooks are not available to order.
