Barbara Holland

Home My Works

Endangered Pleasures:In Defense of Naps, Bacon, Martinis, Profanity, and Other Indulgences

"So pleasingly subversive that the reader falls into a reverie of his own remembered pleasures." Publishers' Weekly

"An engaging reminder of the simple pleasures of life that are slipping away as we move faster and work harder."
Boston Globe

"Shamelessly advocates all the pleasures that have fallen into low repute somce modern Puritanism cast its pall."
Russell Baker, New York Times

Selected Works

Biography/Adventure

They Went Whistling - Women Wayfarers, Warriors, Runaways, and Renegades
True tales of queens, spies, pirates, saints, and thieves. “A frank and often fascinating romp…”

-The New York Times

Essays

Endangered Pleasures:In Defense of Naps, Bacon, Martinis, Profanity, and Other Indulgences
The small conpensations of daily life now in disrepute with the new Puritans.

History

Gentlemen’s Blood: A History of Dueling from Swords at Dawn to Pistols at Dusk.
From knights in armor to American newspaper editors, honor called for combat. A Smithsonian Selection.

History/humor

The Joy of Drinking
A romp through the world history and customs of alcohol

Hail to the Chiefs: Presidential Mischief, Morals, & Malarkey from George W. to George W.
Everything you’re likely to remember about the American presidents. “A wonderfully funny book”

-Dave Barry

Memoir

When All the World Was Young Bloomsbury 2005
Growing up in Washington, D.C.,in the 40's and 50's. "Beautifully written" - New York Times. "A splendid book" - Washington Post

Social history

The Joy of Drinking
A worldwide overview of the history and pleasures of alcolic beverages, from mead to the vodkatini.

Quick Links

Authors Guild

E-mail the Author

A note for users of older versions of Internet Explorer, Netscape, or AOL:
This site will look a lot better in a newer browser. Download one for free!
Internet Explorer: Windows Mac | Netscape: Windows Mac Other
For AOL users, please choose Internet Explorer above.