"That Islamic culture makes no room for alcohol is a myth that has long clouded views of and within Islam. Rudi Matthee debunks this myth with the deftness and authority we have come to expect from one of our most accomplished scholars of Islamic cultures. Intoxicatingly good." -- Christopher de Bellaigue, author of The Islamic Enlightenment and The Lion House"An excellent and important book covering the entire history of Islam and a very large part of the Islamic world. Drawing on a wide variety of sources, it is engaging and well written throughout." -- Devin Stewart, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Emory College of Arts and Sciences "The first comprehensive engagement with the history of alcohol in the Islamic world, from the early days of the revelation to the nuances of contemporary alcohol policy and practice in major Muslim-majority countries. A novel, timely and compelling contribution." -- Maziyar Ghiabi, Senior Lecturer in Medical Humanities and Politics, University of Exeter"Matthee's fascinating study of wine and wine-drinking in the Muslim world explores not only production and consumption but a rich culture of poetic ecstasy and revelry.

Erudite and yet accessible, this outstanding book will find its deserved place within a growing body of sociocultural histories." -- Abbas Amanat, William Graham Sumner Professor of History Emeritus, Yale University, and author of Iran: A Modern History"Matthee's book reads more like an encyclopedia than a monograph.Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty." -- Choice.