Wayne Curtis

Wayne Curtis is an American journalist and author known for his writings on cocktails, spirits, architectural preservation, and travel. His most influential work is "And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails" (2006), which traces the history of rum and its impact on American culture. Curtis has contributed regularly to major publications including The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Preservation Magazine. As a cocktail historian and spirits authority, he has served as a judge for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and written extensively about the craft cocktail movement. His work frequently explores the intersection of culture, history and place, particularly in New Orleans where he has maintained a residence. Curtis's writing on architecture and preservation earned him the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award, and his articles often examine how buildings and infrastructure shape communities. Curtis continues to write about spirits and cocktails as the spirits and cocktail columnist for The Daily Beast. His research and expertise on rum and cocktail culture have made him a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences.

Readers praise Wayne Curtis's writing style as clear, engaging and well-researched, particularly in "And a Bottle of Rum" and "The Last Great Walk." Reviews highlight his ability to weave historical details with modern observations. What readers liked: - Thorough research presented in an accessible way - Humor and personal anecdotes mixed with facts - Strong narrative flow that maintains interest - Balance of historical context and contemporary relevance What readers disliked: - Some sections can be overly detailed - Occasional tangents away from main topics - Desire for more images/illustrations Ratings: Goodreads: "And a Bottle of Rum" - 4.0/5 (3,500+ ratings) "The Last Great Walk" - 3.8/5 (400+ ratings) Amazon: "And a Bottle of Rum" - 4.6/5 (300+ reviews) "The Last Great Walk" - 4.4/5 (50+ reviews) Representative review: "Curtis takes what could be dry historical material and makes it fascinating through excellent storytelling and just the right amount of personal commentary." - Goodreads reviewer

And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails A historical examination of rum's role in colonial America, Caribbean trade, and drinking culture from the 1600s through modern times.

The Last Great Walk: The True Story of a 1909 Walk from New York to San Francisco, and Why it Matters Today An account of Edward Payson Weston's famous 1909 cross-country walk and its significance in American pedestrian history.

Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems, and Changing Lives A study of the Housing First approach to addressing homelessness, including its implementation, effectiveness, and policy implications.

Maine: Sea to Forest A geographic and cultural exploration of Maine's landscape, from its coastal regions to inland forests.

Lords of the Land An investigation of land ownership patterns in Maine and their impact on the state's development and communities.