This was fantastic, the paragraph about not understanding WHY you'd want to own something that old was really radiant compared to the seedy underbelly of the rest of the story
This is exactly what I hoped someone would catch. The wanting to own it is the real mystery. The forgery is just what happens when enough people want the same thing badly enough.
There seems to be a few bottles of pre-French Revolutionary liquors floating around. The Donovan Bar in Mayfield, London has the world's most expensive cocktail at 7,500 pounds with cognac from 1788. Too rich, even for a king!
“I work with old objects. I love them past the point of reason. But I have never once needed to take one home … The difference between appreciating artifacts for their own sake versus seeing them as mere status accessories.
This is really good. The way you explain social history and dig down to how people actually experienced the material objects in their lives.. It's brilliant.
I occasionally scroll through Sothebys auctions to be amazed at what is about to float into private hands - to maybe never be seen on public display ever again. And then be astounded by the prices some pay for these historical pieces of property. Nicely written wondering of the psychology behind what drives that type of action!
Another great essay - your combination of historical fact and psychological insights make for a great read as always. You need to write a book about late 18th America!
I remember the press when the cork slid into the bottle. Outstanding! To display wine like that and not understand that the cork needed to be wet is ludicrous.
I guess this casts doubts on my case of 1789 Th.J. beer.
This was fantastic, the paragraph about not understanding WHY you'd want to own something that old was really radiant compared to the seedy underbelly of the rest of the story
This is exactly what I hoped someone would catch. The wanting to own it is the real mystery. The forgery is just what happens when enough people want the same thing badly enough.
There seems to be a few bottles of pre-French Revolutionary liquors floating around. The Donovan Bar in Mayfield, London has the world's most expensive cocktail at 7,500 pounds with cognac from 1788. Too rich, even for a king!
“I work with old objects. I love them past the point of reason. But I have never once needed to take one home … The difference between appreciating artifacts for their own sake versus seeing them as mere status accessories.
This is really good. The way you explain social history and dig down to how people actually experienced the material objects in their lives.. It's brilliant.
Thank you!
Great writing about an interesting topic as always. Thank you for posting.
Knew the Th.J story but felt new reading in your words and from your POV.
I occasionally scroll through Sothebys auctions to be amazed at what is about to float into private hands - to maybe never be seen on public display ever again. And then be astounded by the prices some pay for these historical pieces of property. Nicely written wondering of the psychology behind what drives that type of action!
Another great essay - your combination of historical fact and psychological insights make for a great read as always. You need to write a book about late 18th America!
I want to believe it’s real
🍷👌👏
Great analysis, Emma!
I remember the press when the cork slid into the bottle. Outstanding! To display wine like that and not understand that the cork needed to be wet is ludicrous.
I guess this casts doubts on my case of 1789 Th.J. beer.