The story of vodka in Russia. You learn alot of history in a round about way in this one. ( )

The story of a one-of-a-kind man, a Russian serf who became a tycoon, right at the confluence of capitalism and communism.

You know the end, Smirnoff vodka rules the world, a distinctly Russian drink that becomes a worldwide phenomenon. But the origin is interesting enough.

Pyotr Smirnov, an indentured servant, sees an opportunity at the last days of the Tsars and little by little builds a business and then a brand, and then an empire. He sought, and received, the imprimatur of the Tsar, and became a big-timer.

And then, revolution.

The whole thing comes crashing down as communists nationalize the business and Smirnov dies without his creation.

One of his sons, who didn’t really want in the business, takes over and resurrects the vodka and the family name.

Finally, Americans step in and take Smirnoff international – I didn’t know that part!

This is a really interesting look at alcohol, Russia and the forces that changed the world.

For more of my reviews, go to Ralphsbooks. ( )

Chronicles the travails of the Smirnoff family and journey from Serfdom to Aristocracy. All of this is peppered with interesting historical anecdotes like the ignominious defeat of Russia in the Crimean war and then by the Japanese. The horrors visited by the Czar's secret police on it's poorer denizens and the repeat of the same with the Bolsheviks giving their former tormentors a taste of their own medicine during and after the Revolution.

Chronicles the travails of the Smirnoff family and journey from Serfdom to Aristocracy. All of this is peppered with interesting historical anecdotes like the ignominious defeat of Russia in the Crimean war and then by the Japanese. The horrors visited by the Czar's secret police on it's poorer denizens and the repeat of the same with the Bolsheviks giving their former tormentors a taste of their own medicine during and after the Revolution.

Russian history isn't usually about industrial moguls but 19th C Russia had its Morgans and Carnegies. The rags to riches story of Pyotr Smirnov and his "new money" children is a fascinating way to look at the big changes that happened in Russia during the 120 years from the start of the 19th century to about 1920, brought on by the twin social and economic revolutions that swept the world (democratic freedoms and industrial revolution). The first two-thirds of the book is mostly focused on the rise of Pyotr Smirnov during the later 30 years or so of the 19th century, the last third on the legacy of his sons and daughters and the brand in the 20th century. Pyotr Smirnov is the central character but considerable space is given to other members of his family so it's really the story of the Smirnov family, and of course the vodka brand. We learn about changing Russian attitudes towards alcohol consumption, changing Russia attitudes towards capitalism and the merchant class; and the consumption, production and sale of vodka and other "wines" as they were called. This is a very readable and intimate book and well worth the time for anyone interested in Russia history, for which vodka is central. ( )