Drinking and Public Place

Abstract

This paper introduces four following case studies, by Kümin, Brennan, Wacklin, and Törrönen and Karlsson, as well as commentaries by Graham and Rudy. It stresses the need for more research on the historical evolution of European drinking houses and their world, where there have been only a limited number of recent studies; the early 20th century is particularly neglected. This is despite the fact that drinking houses have generated a great variety and volume of source material, which has the potential to shed valuable light on drinking houses themselves, their landlords, customers, and relations with the authorities. The different spaces associated with the drinking house are of especial interest. The introduction summarizes the papers and suggests that many of the issues raised by the authors are of major relevance to the contemporary debate about alcohol use and control.