Review of “In Search for God and Guinness”

I have recently finished reading In Search for God and Guinness, by Stephen Mansfield. I have to say that this book took me totally by surprise. At first glance I thought it would just be an entertaining read about beer, and more specifically, the history of the Guinness brand name. From the very beginning of the book, describing the ancient history of beer making, through the content listing the  impact of the Guinness family upon the world, it was a complete learning experience.

I am almost ashamed to say that I had next to no prior knowledge of anything that Mansfield had written in this book. The Guinness name to me was nothing more than a label on a bottle of dark beer. To find out that the company of Guinness was interested in the social quality of providing an alternative to the filthy drinking water of the day, and the over-consumption of hard liquor was a real eye opener. They also were pioneers in the superior treatment of their employees, which stands in stark contrast to the corporate culture of today. In the area of their amazing Christian heritage, I was completely unaware.

From start to finish, this book was engaging in its style. I found myself encouraged by the spirit of excellence that carried from Arthur, the founder, on through the successive generations. Mansfield did  a superior job in conveying the heart and history of Guinness.