New World Guide to Beer

All fans of good beer should raise a pint tonight to the memory of beer and whisky maven Michael Jackson (aka "the Beer Hunter"), who died this week. The publication of Jackson's second book, The World Guide to Beer in 1977 was an important contribution to the beer revolution that soon followed. His books, TV series ("The Beer Hunter"), magazine and web articles, lectures and travels over the past 30 years have helped spread the message that beer can be a noble and civilized beverage, worthy of respect. All of us craft beer/microbrew/good beer enthusiasts owe Michael a debt for his life's work.

The Library has a 1988 edition of his classic New World Guide to Beer, as well as 1998's photo-filled Ultimate Beer. Michael was also an influential whisky expert, with his Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch, going through many editions.

The online beer community is quite robust, with beer bloggers all over the world. Canadian beer writer Stephen Beaumont singles Jackson out as his mentor. Alan McLeod of the Good Beer Blog from Kingston, Ontario points to some online memorials to Michael, including Lew Bryson and Pete Brown. There is a good inclusive list of memorials at the Hop Talk blog.**

*Thank you to Alan at the Good Beer Blog for the great photo above!
** Corrected September 5, 2007.