YENNE, Bill. Guinness: The 250-Year Quest for the Perfect Pint.

Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2007. First edition. .pp xiii, 241. Illustrated. Publisher’s black cloth boards, gilt title to spine, in original illustrated dust-jacket depicting a pint of Guinness with harp device. A fine copy.

A lively and well-illustrated history of the famous Dublin brewery founded by Arthur Guinness at St James’s Gate in 1759. Written by American historian and beer writer Bill Yenne, the work traces the remarkable rise of the Guinness family enterprise from its eighteenth-century origins to its emergence as one of the most recognised brands in the world.

The narrative follows successive generations of the Guinness dynasty and the transformation of a local porter brewery into an international brewing empire. Particular attention is given to the development of stout brewing techniques, the expansion of export markets during the nineteenth century, and the innovative marketing strategies that helped establish Guinness as a global symbol of Irish identity. Later chapters examine the company’s twentieth-century modernisation, including the introduction of nitrogenation technology and the famous “widget” that revolutionised canned stout.

Beyond the story of the brewery itself, Yenne places Guinness within the broader context of Irish industrial and social history. The book explores the influence of the Guinness family on Dublin’s economic life, their philanthropic initiatives, and the enduring cultural significance of the brand.

An accessible and engaging account of one of Ireland’s most famous commercial enterprises, published to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the brewery’s founding.

[WR Food & Drink]