The Taste of Intoxication in Martinique (French Edition): The Wine of the Elites, the Elite of Wines 1880-1910 by Louis Abel Ale

The Taste of Intoxication in Martinique: The Wine of the Elites, the Elite of Wines (1880-1910) by Louis Abel Alexis is a captivating dive into the history of wine consumed by the Martinican elites during the colonial period, from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The author, through an in-depth historical analysis, highlights the intimate relationship between wine and the high society of the island, while exploring the contrasts between French and local influences.

By tracing the introduction of wine in Martinique since the time of colonization, Louis Abel Alexis shows how this beverage, already well established in Europe, became a symbol of power and prestige for the Creole elites. Imported by the first Europeans and sold in the shops of Saint-Pierre since the 18th century, wine strengthened the link between the metropolis and the colonies. The emergence of champagne, in particular, further accentuated this dynamic, marking a turning point in alcohol consumption among the elites, whether they were white or mixed-race.

However, while adopting wine, Martinique also saw the development of local drinks like rum and tafia, which began to compete with this European-origin beverage. These local spirits became strong identity markers of Creole society. Wine, though prestigious, then shared the role of the beverage of choice with rum, symbolizing both the continuity and adaptation of colonial culture in a tropical territory.

This book also highlights the social impact of alcoholization in colonial society. Indeed, with the rise in wine and rum consumption, drunkenness and alcoholism became widely observed phenomena, not only among the elites but also throughout Martinican society. The author analyzes the consequences of these practices, both socially and culturally, while emphasizing the uniqueness of the colonial experience in the French Antilles.

With a clear and well-documented style, Louis Abel Alexis offers us a journey into colonial Martinique, where wine and rum are not just drinks but structuring elements of social life and strong identity markers of the elites. The work is both a valuable contribution to the history of colonial gastronomy and an understanding of the social dynamics in the Antilles at this time.

Article Characteristics:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782336485232
• ISBN: 978-2-336-48523-2
• Publisher: L'Harmattan
• Publication Date: 10/10/2024
• Collection: Food and Gastronomic Questions
• Number of Pages: 180
• Dimensions: 21.5 x 13.5 x 1 cm
• Weight: 216 g
• Language: French