"Never trust a man who doesn't drink." BARRY HUMPHRIES 1965 “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be heavy hearts.” PROVERBS 31:6 “One more drink and I’d have been under the host.” DOROTHY PARKER 1935 “’Tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess.” JOHN SELDEN 1689 Alcohol, usually beer, is an integral part of Australian culture. Australian writers from Henry Lawson onwards praise, blame and generally celebrate the demon drink. It can develop or ruin friendships, create farcical situations, breed or shatter illusions. Broadcaster and writer Jim Haynes has collected short stories and verse from well-known Australians that place that pint of bear at the centre of things.