Bitter Brew

Whether or not you choose to pop open a can or two of Budweiser on the weekends (or after a long day's work) is one thing — but there's no denying that you've come across one of Anheuser-Busch's brews at some point in your drinking career. Chronicling the tale of this American brewing giant, Bitter Brew: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch and America's Kings of Beer ($20) tells the story of how the Busch family rose to dominate the American beer market, for better or for worse. This story, spanning across three centuries, is one of dynasty, capitalism, innovation, success, and failure, and after you finish it, you'll never look at a bottle of Bud the same way.