Steven D. Barleen

The Tavern: A Social History of Drinking and Conviviality - History of Human Spaces Steven D. Barleen

Since the first Europeans settled in North America, much of American life and politics have happened around the tavern. Readers will appreciate this in-depth analysis of the tavern and its influence on American life and society throughout history.

From public houses in Puritan New England to Gilded Age saloons, and on to the modern sports bar, drinking establishments have had a significant and lasting presence in American life. This book analyzes the role of drinking establishments throughout American history through an examination of their unique interior spaces.



The book considers the objects that define the space and the customers who give the space relevance and provides an overview of the space throughout history, showing how the physical attributes of the tavern and its role within society have changed over time. This work will consider the tavern from the perspective of the tavern keeper as well as the patrons, and will show how drinking establishments have found a permanent home within American life.









Generates interest in the history of drinking establishments among scholars and the general public



Includes a relatable history and analysis of drinking establishments, connecting them with representations of the American tavern in popular culture



Includes 20 images that help readers to visualize different taverns through history and how they functioned within American life



Brings the interior space of the tavern to life using historical and contemporary examples