Book Review: Iconic Spirits by Mark Spivak (Kindle Fire HD Giveaway)

Iconic Spirits: An Intoxicating History is a fascinating and engaging look into twelve spirits that changed the world and ushered in a new cocktail culture. Written by award-winning writer Mark Spivak, who specializes in wine, spirits, food, restaurants and culinary travel, these absorbing portraits of moonshine, vodka, Cognac, and more are complemented by historical photos and recipes.

What a refreshingly different offering to the world of non-fiction. While I only drink the occasional cocktail, I was drawn to Spivak's book for the history behind these spirits that had such an impact on our world. Who knew moonshine could be so thrilling? Full of interesting details on the societies and eras into which these spirits were born, this is how history should be shared. If all history books were this engaging, no one would ever complain of it being boring. And I have to admit Spivak's credentials indicated to me that he could bring this subject to life for the reader.

Spivak's wealth of knowledge combined with his conversational style make this book a winner. I couldn't tear myself away. I learned more about spirits and the world in the 250-plus pages of Iconic Spirits than I have in a long time.

Highly recommended.

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Lyons Press (November 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0762779268
ISBN-13: 978-0762779260
Also available in electronic format.

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Mark Spivak is an award-winning writer specializing in wine, spirits, food, restaurants and culinary travel. He was the wine writer for the Palm Beach Post from 1994-1999, and since 2001 has been the Wine and Spirits Editor for the Palm Beach Media Group, as well as the restaurant critic for Palm Beach Illustrated. His work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Robb Report, Ritz-Carlton, Continental, Art & Antiques, Newsmax, Dream of Italy and Arizona Highways. From 1999-2011 he hosted Uncorked! Radio, a highly successful wine talk show on the Palm Beach affiliate of National Public Radio. Mark began writing Iconic Spirits after becoming fascinated with the untold stories behind the world’s greatest liquors. As a writer, he’s always searching for the unknown details that make his subjects compelling and unique.His latest book is Iconic Spirits: An Intoxicating History.

Visit Mark’s website at http://www.iconicspirits.net

Become a fan of Mark Spivak at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mark.spivak.3

Pick up your copy of Iconic Spirits at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762779268/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0762779268&link_code=as3&tag=theboocon-20

~ ~ ~ NEW KINDLE FIRE HD GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and Mark Spivak are teaming up to give you a chance to win a new Kindle Fire HD!

Enter by using the Rafflecopter form below or by visiting the book's tour page at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/09/30/pump-up-your-book-presents-iconic-spirits-virtual-book-publicity-tour-free-kindle-fire-hd-giveaway/ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway