Martini, Straight Up

Contents:List of Illustrations
Preface to the Revised Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Introduction
Time Line: The Martini Decade by DecadeThe Simple Messages of the MartiniMessage One: The Martini is American'it is not European, Asian, or African
Message Two: The Martini is urban and urbane'it is not rural or rustic
Message Three: The Martini is a high-status, not a low-status, drink
Message Four: The Martini is a man's, not a woman's, drink
Message Five: The Martini is optimistic, not pessimistic
Messgae Six: The Martini is the drink of adults, not of children
Message Seven: The Martini belongs to the past, not the present
The Simple Messages ReconsideredThe Ambiguities of the MartiniAmbiguity One: The Martini is civilized'the Martini is uncivilized
Ambiguity Two: The Martini unites'the Martini separates
Ambiguity Three: The Martini is classic'the Martini is individual
Ambiguity Four: The Martini is sensitive'the Martini is tough
Historical Background of the AmbiguitiesConclusion
Theory, Method, and Bibliography
Appendix: The Martini Glass
Notes
Index

""[Edmunds] brings the rigor and thoroughness of a true scholar to the study of the Martini's place in American culture.""