In addition to the Rakow Research Library's recent acquisition Giovanni Antonio Fineo's Il vaso di vetro quasi infrangibile dove non si guasta mai vino (1611), which is not only on display as part of "Fire and Vine" but is also available online, several books, articles, and other delightful materials can help you learn more about the intertwined histories of wine and glass. Check out the resources below, and contact the Rakow Research Library with additional questions!
Dr. Katherine Larson, Curator of "Fire and Vine," shared a few of her favorite books on the subjects of wine and glass.
In this fascinating cultural history of wine, John Varriano takes us on a tour of wine's lively story, revealing the polarizing effect wine has had on society and culture through the ages. From its origins in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to the expanding contemporary industries in Australia, New Zealand, and America, Varriano examines how wine is made and how it has been used in rituals, revelries, and remedies throughout history. In addition, he investigates the history of wine's transformative effects on body and soul in art, literature, and science from the mosaics of ancient Rome to the poetry of Dickinson and Neruda and the paintings of Caravaggio and Manet. A spirited exploration, this book will delight lovers of sauvignon blanc or pinot noir, as well as those who are interested in the rich history of human creativity and consumption.
Our Manager of Archives and Special Collections explains, "This is my favorite because it elucidates another connection between glass and wine -- drying and burning wine lees to make potash for the production of glass!" (The Rakow Research Library owns a copy, but The Newberry Library's copy has been digitized and is available online via the Internet Archive.)
This innovative book examines how, between 1640 and 1815, the Portuguese Madeira wine trade shaped the Atlantic world and American society. David Hancock painstakingly reconstructs the lives of producers, distributors, and consumers, as well as the economic and social structures created by globalizing commerce, to reveal an intricate interplay between individuals and market forces. Wine lovers and Madeira enthusiasts will enjoy Oceans of Wine, as will historians interested in food, colonial trade, and the history of the Atlantic region.
A favorite of our Manager of Reference and Access Services is the two-volume set by archaeologist and glass collector Albert Hartshorne: "This unpublished collection of drawings, sketches and rubbings documenting drinking glasses of the 17th and 18th centuries represents a mind-boggling amount of work by researcher and collector Albert Hartshorne. Hartshorne visited museums and private collections to amass these two huge volumes on wine glasses and goblets. It took passion, persistence, and a great deal of networking to create this catalog, and the end result is both beautiful and unique."
More extensive lists of resources related to wine and glass are available upon request. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance via Ask a Glass Question or by email (rakow@cmog.org), phone (607-438-5300), or text (607-821-4029).
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a cooperative library service that allows you to borrow materials through your local library. For more information visit our ILL page or e-mail ILL@cmog.org.
Monday-Thursday
10:00am-4:00pm
Hours vary. To see list of available appointment times, visit reserve.cmog.org.
See www.cmog.org.
Check out wine-related merchandise in The Shops at The Corning Museum of Glass. Need help? Contact The Shops online or call 800-723-9156.