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.

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.


Book Information
ISBN 9780306805127
Author John Kobler
Format Paperback
Page Count 386
Imprint Da Capo Press Inc
Publisher Hachette Books
Weight(grams) 416g
Dimensions(mm) 202mm * 128mm * 24mm