Mark runs ... through life
Adult on-set athlete,
Recovering human,
Imperfectionist,
Master of the obvious
“The Search for God and Guinness” by Stephen Mansfield is really two books: The first, a history of beer and brewing, and the second a history of Guinness and its founding family. Reading this book I found out a lot of things that were left out of my elementary school social studies classes.
I was never told that beer was one of the staples that Pilgrims brought with them on the Mayflower and that a brewhouse was one of the first structures constructed by the settlers in the new world. In fact, the history of the world includes many instances where beer was a lubricant on which decisions were made.
Likewise, I knew little of Guinness, that it was the largest brewery in the world, and nothing of the family that started the brewing dynasty. It’s very appropriate to read of the Guinness charity during our country’s current health care debate. The Guinness brewery maintained a personal interest in the welfare of its workers through the generations, proving the adage: ”a rising tide raises all ships”.
The book, at times, reads like a textbook. I wish more was available on the Guinness family. The book could benefit from a shot of personality. It has a “just the facts” tone that makes it a feel like a compilation of answers to a game of Trivial Pursuit. It’s definitely a nightstand book. However, if you love history and learning you will enjoy “The Search for God and Guinness”.
