Notes on a Cellar-Book - by George Saintsbury (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Since its first publication in 1920, George Saintsbury's classic Notes on a Cellar-Book has remained one of the greatest tributes to drink and drinking in the literature of wine. A collection of tasting notes, menus, and robust opinions, the work is filled with anecdotes and recollections of wines and spirits consumed--from the heights of Romanée-Conti to the simple pleasures of beer, flip, and mum. Thomas Pinney brings this unique work alive for contemporary audiences by providing the keys to a full understanding of Notes on a Cellar-Book in a new edition that includes explanatory endnotes, an essay on the book's legacy, and additional articles on wine by Saintsbury.

Review Quotes

"An indispensable read.. . . Saintsbury's thoughtful love of drink comes through clearly."-- "SF Chronicle" (11/28/2008 12:00:00 AM)

"As much a model for wine writing as . . . an historical document revealing how wines were once regarded and how times have changed."--John Mariani "Bloomberg News" (12/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)

"Few wine books posses the iconic status of George Saintsbury's Notes on a Cellar-Book."-- "Wine Spectator" (12/31/2008 12:00:00 AM)

"If you love to drink wine, and love a good read, you have to get ahold of this book."-- "Vinography" (4/19/2009 12:00:00 AM)

"Read this book twice: once without pausing to flip back and forth-you'll be beguiled, befuddled and amused-and then once with the notes."-- "The Wine News" (12/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)

"There is much food for thought here, and a facinating window on another age of connoisseurship. "--Jancis Robinson "Jancisrobinson.com" (12/18/2008 12:00:00 AM)

A glimpse into our viticultural past, as well as a revelation of how great wine and great literature can go hand-in-hand.-- "Good Wine Under $20" (12/11/2008 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

George Saintsbury (1845-1933) was a journalist, reviewer, critic, editor, and Professor of Literature at the University of Edinburgh. Thomas Pinney is Emeritus Professor of English at Pomona College. Among other books, he is author of A History of Wine in America (in two volumes from UC Press).