Kanpai: The History of Sake

Biographical Note:
Eric C. Rath is professor of history at the University of Kansas. His books include Oishii: The History of Sushi, also published by Reaktion Books.

Review Quotes:
"An enticing title. . . . Extensively and well researched, using numerous sources from both historical and current data, and brims with fascinating and often amusing anecdotes told in a nonacademic, light writing style."-- "NIKKEI Asia, on "Oishii""

Review Quotes:
"Rath's writing is light, unhampered by the weight of academia. He interjects personal asides, recalling tastes and experiences that add sparkle to his chronology."-- "Japan Times, on "Oishii""

Review Quotes:
"A vivid history."-- "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, on "Oishii""

Review Quotes:
"While Rath's text is eminently accessible to the food studies beginner, it offers bold insights for the Japanese culinary expert as well."-- "Journal of Japanese Studies, on "Oishii""

Review Quotes:
"Japan's national beverage has achieved global renown, but its origins and practices are still shrouded in mystery. For those who want to learn more about sake, there can be no better guide than Rath. This authoritative and entertaining book leads us from the drinking games of medieval samurai to the rope curtains of modern izakaya."--Jeffrey M. Pilcher, University of Toronto

Review Quotes:
"There are many books on sake these days, but none like Kanpai, which takes us through the annals of the history of sake, from medieval temple sake recipes to sociopolitical factors that influenced sake legislation, and from the history of izakaya to the industry today outside of Japan: the breadth and scope of sake lore makes for a fascinating read."--John Gauntner, author of "Sake Confidential" and co-founder and managing editor of "Sake Today"

Review Quotes:

"Rath's new book opens the door with history, told in an approachable way. Readers get drawn into the story and pretty soon the complications start to make sense. It doesn't hurt that the heavy coated stocks makes the beautiful illustrations pop of the page. . . . His book is clear and interesting and taught me a lot I didn't know about Sake and about Japan."

Contributor Bio:Rath, Eric C
Eric C. Rath is professor of premodern Japanese history at the University of Kansas. He is the author of Food and Fantasy in Early Modern Japan.