The Much-lamented Death of Madam Geneva: The Eighteenth-century Gin Craze

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Between 1720 and 1751, the 'gin craze' nearly overwhelmed London. Based on extensive research, Patrick Dillon's book follows the history of gin, or geneva from its introduction from Holland after the Glorious Revolution, to its role as the sustenance of the poor, a quick trip to oblivion in the squalid and diseased poverty of eighteenth-century London, and later to its resurgence in the Victorian Gin Palaces and prohibition America. This is the story of Madam Geneva's rise and fall. Gin-drinkers and sellers, politicians and distillers all add their voices to Patrick Dillon's vivid account of London's first drug craze, which takes us from the corridors of power to the cornfields of Norfolk, from the pulpits of reformers to the tenements of St Giles in the Fields.

Reviews

Between 1720 and 1751, the 'gin craze' nearly overwhelmed London. It was the first time in British history that a drug had brought society to its knees. Based on extensive research, Patrick Dillon here follows the history of gin (or 'geneva') from its introduction by William of Orange to polite society in the 1680s, to its role as the sustenance of the poor - a quick trip to oblivion in the poverty of 18th century London - and to its resurgence in the Victorian Gin Palaces and prohibition America. This is the story of a society in transition, of crime, poverty and above all Britain's first battle with widespread drug addiction, ably chronicled by Patrick Dillon.

Author Bio

Patrick Dillon is an architectural consultant and the author of two novels. His interest and vast knowledge of eighteenth-century society has led him to restore some of London's famous eighteenth-century buildings, such as Daunt Books, Marylebone.