Brewing for Victory

A history of breweries and public houses during World War II. The book argues that brewers and purveyors of beer were not just providing a brew to take people's minds off the terrors and hardships of war, but helped fight the worst effects of the bombing of civilian areas, kept public order by providing a social meeting place, and provided sustenance to the forces on land and sea. Anecdotes and factual details reveal the difficulties faced by the manufacturers of what some in World War I considered to be the devil's brew and show how the industry survived, even when suffering extensive damage in World War II. The book examines brewing beer in shops, petrol rationing, shortages of raw materials, strategies to confuse the enemy, women and pensioners taking over, reduction in licensing hours and the strength of beers, and higher taxes. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.