A hundred years ago, ice was the one of the important commodities and most powerful industries in the world. A history filled with merchant kings, monopolies, traders and short squeezes - and cocktails. Then it all melted away – another rapid transition. In this episode, author and historian Amy Brady joins us to discuss the surprising history of ice. We'll be diving into the intriguing history of ice – how this industry came to be, its significance in American life, economy, and culture, and its rapid decline due to technological advancements. Amy’s most recent book is Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks--a Cool History of a Hot Commodity, published by Random House in June 2023.
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