Book dossier

Moonshine markets

by Ronald Simpson

"Moonshine Markets is an unprecedented exploration of the patterns of "local alcohol" production and consumption across various cultures. Whether described as unrecorded, illicit, non-commercial, or moonshine, it is likely that local alcohol represents at least half of the total alcohol consumption worldwide." "This groundbreaking text examines the largely uncharted, but immensely important issue of consumption of non-branded alcohol, focusing on six countries - Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia, Tanzania, Zambia - and analyzes the implications of these findings. Based on original interviews, investigators from these countries conducted studies in both rural and urban areas using a standardized diary system. Up to 100 families from each country were interviewed about their drinking habits over a thirty-day period. Attention was given to their religious, educational and socio-economic status, giving readers a sense of the variety of products being consumed and the context in which the drinking takes place, including both the actual drinking environment and the broader socio-economic issues that may affect the way that beverages are consumed." "The second portion of the book examines the common themes emerging from the collected data, including commentary from experts in the fields of toxicology, economics, and anthropology. Of interest to government, the alcohol beverage industry, the alcohol research community, and anyone concerned with alcohol, its history, and it's patterns of consumption. Moonshine Markets is an important step in improving the understanding of local alcohol consumption and its numerous and far-reaching implications."--Jacket.