Ardent Spirit covers the full range of the temperance idea in America, beginning in the early seventeenth century and continuing through the prohibition years, 1919-1933. Using a wide variety of sources, Kobler quotes the amusing and often startling comments relating to the efforts of prohibitionists and lawmakers, so that the speakeasies, the rum-running, the bootleggers, and the gang wars all come vividly to life. Here too are portraits of eccentrics, instant millionaires, law enforcement officers, and murderers—all part of the Noble Experiment which proved to be one of the most tragicomic sagas in American history.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
John Kobler's (1910-2000) many books include biographies of John Barrymore, Henry Luce, John Hunter, and Otto Kahn. He wrote for the New Yorker and other magazines, and lived in New York City.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherPenguin Adult HC/TR
- Publication date1973
- ISBN 10 039911209X
- ISBN 13 9780399112096
- BindingPaperback
- Edition number1
- Number of pages386
-
Rating