Join us for an end-of-day author talk and social event!

Map enthusiast Kris Bulter’s The Drink Map Book: British Temperance Maps of the 1800s is due out next spring!

In the midst of rapidly growing cities and soaring rates of alcohol consumption, British temperance groups faced resistance in the accepted notion of ’neighbourhood needs’ and widespread belief in healthful drinking. In response, they created maps to show the lawmakers entrusted with granting liquor licenses just how many public houses were already cramped together. These ‘Drink Maps’ were convincing. One judge explained his decision, after refusing to renew half the liquor license in his town, that no man could complain about having to walk just two minutes to purchase his next beer. Did these lovely temperance tools inspire zealous anger—or did they make people thirsty? The story of their brief existence will be told amidst a tangle of licensing laws, corrupt temperance organizers, exasperated women, and – of course – several delicious pints of beer.

After this short talk we will walk as a group to one of our nearby campus pubs for a social mappy hour.

LOCATION: Walter C. Koerner Library, Research Commons Presentation Room (548/552)