The Wisdom of Wine

Book excerpt: Simon Drew would like to be considered a very wise man. His evidence is that wise men drink wine and nobody could be more dedicated to prolonging this state of (dis)graceful wisdom than Simon. He is certain that wine is an excellent aid to inspiration for his word plays, puzzles and drawings. For Simon, less is never more. More is always more. Less is always less. This is more or less true. Such wisdom comes to him after several glasses of wine. Simon has produced this book with due reverence to all viticulturists, vintners, publicans, restaurateurs, bon viveurs and to the god Bacchus and hopes to demonstrate that the way of the wise man is the path through the vineyard. He is fond of quoting a saying oft repeated by his grand-mother (a reformed Methodist and born-again drinker): I have no pain now, mother dear, but oh I am so dry! Connect me to the vintner's tap and leave me here to die (or words to that effect). So enjoy the book. Simon suggests you open a bottle of St Emilion, put your feet up, abandon all hope of good sense and read in a disorderly manner. AUTHOR: Simon Drew lives in Dartmouth, England, with his wife, Caroline, and his dog, Rabbit. He works mainly in pen and ink, making fiendishly inventive drawings of everyday objects, birds and animals embellished with devious rhymes and word play. His work is widely acclaimed and exhibited, and is already the subject of numerous books. Drew's designs are also incorporated into a wide variety of stationery and accessories ranging from cards, mugs, t-shirts and aprons. A selection of Simon's work can be found at: simondrew.co.uk 50 colour illustrations