The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson

(Paperback)

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In this unique approach to understanding wine, Hugh Johnson, the world's best-loved wine author, weaves the story of his own epic wine journey with an embracing view of everything he has discovered along the way. Almost without realising it, the reader is drawn into a fascinating world; with each page turned, knowledge is gained and wine wisdom absorbed. Hugh takes us from the teetering ledges of the Mosel and majestic chteaux of the Mdoc to the sylvan slopes of Windsor Great Park with a spring in his step and a tasting glass at the ready. No one writes so infectiously on every aspect of wine, whether human or cultural, technical or historical. This book is peppered with anecdotes and personal recollections, infused with the sheer delight Hugh finds in his subject. It is a book with a story to tell and a mastery of wine to impart. Previously published as Wine, A Life Uncorked 2005, now updated with new chapters. AUTHOR: Hugh Johnson began acquiring his wine knowledge as a member of the Wine and Food Society at Cambridge University. When he came down from King's College in 1961 he became feature writer for Vogue and House & Garden, writing, among other things, wine columns for both magazines. In 1963 he became general secretary of the Wine and Food Society and succeeded the legendary gastronome Andr Simon as editor of Wine and Food. At the same time he became wine correspondent of The Sunday Times and started work on his first book Wine (1966), through which he established himself at the age of 27 as one of the subject's foremost writers. His rare talent for making the most complex subjects readable has led to a remarkable sequence of books. SELLING POINTS: . New foreword by Eric Asimov, New York Times . Hugh's look at the wines he has known and loved . Full of fascinating vignettes and side stories, a book to be read for hours or dipped into . First published in 2005 as Wine, A Life Uncorked, this new edition has been updated by Hugh to take in two decades of change in the wine world 40 colour, 10 b/w illustrations

Reviews

"Veteran wine books are by modern standards short on facts." - Decanter Magazine
"This is an inspirational book well worth your time." - Eric Asimov, Instagram
"...he learnt early how to write with an easy, flowing (sometimes flowery, but always precise) style thats a joy to read." - Club Enologique
"This is a new edition of Johnsons memoir written with a corkscrew. It has been modestly edited and gently updated, as Eric Asimov writes in the Foreword, and Johnsons lucid, evocative prose shines as brightly as ever." - Falstaff
"If you want to learn about wine, switch off your phone, buy these two books and enjoy them with a nice glass of something." - The Critic
"This is a dont-miss book for people who plan their travels around vineyards." - Washington Post
"It is an absolute joy to read Johnsons writing. Its not only that he is exquisitely articulate, playing words as a maestro violinist might play Bachs Chaconne. It is that he finds so much joy in wine. He is an incurable romantic, an optimist, infectiously enthusiastic, infinitely curious." - Tamlyn Currin, Jancis Robinson
A Decanter best wine book of the year 2022: "Two new chapters on digestifs and sparkling wines make it compulsory purchase, even for owners of the previous edition." - Decanter
"This is one of the best books on wine ever written." - Sommelier India
"Hugh Johnson said recently that his career happened more or less accidentally. The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson... is his memoirs but framed as a voyage around his cellar, the cellar being that at Saling Hall, the house he bought in 1970." - The World of Fine Wine

Author Bio

Hugh Johnson began acquiring his wine knowledge as a member of the Wine and Food Society at Cambridge University. When he came down from King's College in 1961 he became feature writer for Vogue and House & Garden, writing, among other things, wine columns for both magazines. In 1963 he became general secretary of the Wine and Food Society and succeeded the legendary gastronome Andr Simon as editor of Wine and Food. At the same time he became wine correspondent of The Sunday Times and started work on his first book Wine (1966), through which he established himself at the age of 27 as one of the subject's foremost writers. His rare talent for making the most complex subjects readable has led to a remarkable sequence of books.

After a year as travel editor of The Sunday Times he became editor of Queen, and in 1969 James Mitchell of the newly founded publishing house Mitchell Beazley asked him to write The World Atlas of Wine. First published in 1971, this book has been translated into 14 languages and sold over four million copies. He is the worlds bestselling wine writer.

In 2007 Hugh Johnson received an OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours list. His OBE was awarded for services to wine making and horticulture. In April 2004 Hugh was honoured with the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mrite, one of the highest tributes bestowed by the French Government. The medal was presented to Hugh for his significant contribution to the appreciation and understanding of France and its wines.