Notes on a Cellar-Book

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.

Table of Contents:
List of Illustrations Introduction: George Saintsbury and ‘Notes on a Cellar-Book’ Bibliographical Note Preliminary Note to Third Edition I. Origins II. Sherry and Madeira III. Port IV. Claret and Burgundy V. Champagne and Other French White Wines VI. Hock, Moselle and the Rest VII. Spirits—Hollands and Whisky VIII. Spirits—Brandy, Rum and Gin, with Some Exotic Things IX. Liqueurs X. Beer, Cider, Etc. 1.Saintsbury, Notes on a Cellar-Book 32808 5:12 PM Page v XI. “Mixed Liquors” XII. Bottles and Glasses XIII. Cellar Arrangements Conclusio ad Diversos (With a Few Barmecide Invitations) APPENDIX: OTHER WRITINGS ON WINE AND SPIRITS BY SAINTSBURY A Sentimental Cellar, The Yellow Book, April 1894 The Bounties of Bacchus, Athenaeum, 21 November 1919 “White,” A Scrap Book, 1922 “Obrian,” A Scrap Book, 1922 Le Temps Jadis: Wallet II, A Second Scrap Book, 1923 The Order of Drinks, A Second Scrap Book, 1923 The Qualities of Wine, Morning Post, 22 May 1923 The Cellar, The Book of the Queen’s Dolls’ House, 1924 Le Temps Jadis; Wallet V., 90’s and Later, A Last Scrap Book, 1924 Notes Selected List of Works Cited Index

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).

Review :
“An indispensable read.. . . Saintsbury's thoughtful love of drink comes through clearly.” "As much a model for wine writing as . . . an historical document revealing how wines were once regarded and how times have changed." “If you love to drink wine, and love a good read, you have to get ahold of this book.” A glimpse into our viticultural past, as well as a revelation of how great wine and great literature can go hand-in-hand. “Few wine books posses the iconic status of George Saintsbury’s Notes on a Cellar-Book.” “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.” “There is much food for thought here, and a facinating window on another age of connoisseurship. “