Nobody agrees about the martini, which is most of the pleasure of it.

Robert Simonson traces the drink from the first printed recipe in 1888 through the bars that built their names on it, Dukes in London, Musso and Frank in Los Angeles, and settles nothing on purpose. Fifty recipes, so you can form your own opinion at home.

For the friend with firm views and a cold glass. For the host building a bar shelf worth sitting at.