Daniel Okrent’s Last Call is a fabulous historical account of the rise of the temperance movement in the United States, culminating in the successful passage of the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, prohibiting “the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors”.

This book explores this largely forgotten segment of US history, and all the colorful characters, and political maneuverings surrounding the passage and eventual repeal of Prohibition. The cast of characters in the book ranges from religiously motivated “progressives”, gangsters and criminal enterprises, the Ku Klux Klan, to corrupt politicians and a raft of government officials supporting, decrying, or ignoring Prohibition. More than just a historical analysis, the author adds gentle commentary (usually highlighting prohibition’s flaws) without being overbearing or resorting to lecturing, and allows the reader to ruminate on the thousands of unintended consequences spawned by what started as a well-intentioned, grassroots movement.

Throughout the tales of vibrant characters the connecting theme seems to be the underlying thread of political manipulation, and the unwillingness of a large segment of the population to follow a law they considered “not applicable”, themes that are relevant today. The passage of Prohibition mobilized one of the first massive, organized, political movements in the US, just as its repeal brought together wealthy industrialists, civil libertarians, and those that just plain wanted a drink. In addition, it was amazing to read the efforts and antics associated with illegally (or in some cases, legally) skirting the law to bring a popular product to hungry consumers.

Highly Recommended.