"The spirits behind the writers Understanding the great scribes' fondness for alcohol"
By Joseph Tartakovsky
February 27, 2008 - LA Times www.latimes.com
Horace reports that the 5th century Athenian poet Cratinus, in a light-hearted defense of his famed intemperance, declared, 'No verse can give pleasure for long, nor last, that is written by water drinkers.' Cratinus wasn't entirely kidding: Legend says he died of grief upon seeing a full cask of wine break into pieces. And writers of subsequent ages have taken his sentiment to heart. Wherever you find the pen-and-ink set, drink is an emblem of vivacity and wit, at times regarded with semireligious reverence."
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Drink rarely causes a writer to underestimate his talents. And tippling is a handy excuse: Inspired writing produced under the influence is still inspired. But you wrote a tissue of nonsense? Well, one overindulges.
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