"The History of the World in Six Glasses" by Tom Standage lays out a similar time line. He breaks the world into two sections - alcohol and caffeine - and each of those into three periods: beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and soda.
Each period be described how the drink became so important. It's a very interesting and quick read.
Each period be described how the drink became so important. It's a very interesting and quick read.
https://books.google.com/books/about/A_History_of_the_World_...