[euge]

the other day at the LHBS.

The book rack had about 4 times as many copies of Papazian's The Complete Joy of Homebrewing as Palmer's How to Brew!

I asked the LHBS dude if they sold more of Papazian's book- and he told me they sold far more copies than HTB. This surprised me as my assumption was that it went the other way.

Almost bought a 3rd edition; wish my old dog-eared copy from 1993 hadn't been sold back in 2002. Think I might have got 20 cents at Half-Price Books for it. Some interesting recipes in the 1st edition that I'd like to try that don't appear to be in the third.

[ibru]

I don't know euge, if you go to another brew shop, it could be the opposite. The people at the shop are probably more familiar with Papazian's book (it was my first brewing book 20 years ago) than Palmer's so they feel comfortable selling it. My company, for fun, sells pellet bbq's. Each of my employees prefer a different model grill therefore when talking to people recommend a different model. I wish they would try to sell the same one for inventory purposes but oh well....

[euge]

Kinda why I started this thread. The new edition of TCJHB appears to be completely updated. But, I lack any reference now.

HTB is on my coffee table...

[hopfenundmalz]

Charlie's book may have sold more since it was first published, current cover says >1million copies, and it is published by Harper Collins. HtB was the highest selling book in the Brewers Publication catalogue. 3 or 4 years ago, Kristi Switzer stated it had sold over 60,000 copies. Has to be over 100k now with the huge growth of the hobby.

[ibru]

HTB is on my bar next to the Water Book and Stan H's Hop Book.

I guess Papazian's book is a good introduction to brewing with the humor and relaxed approach.

[denny]

Since we're talking books, I've gotta give a shout out to "Brew Like a Monk".  If you're into Belgian beers, you HAVE to have this book!

[HoosierBrew]

+1 to BLAM.  One of my favorite and most referenced books.

[euge]

Always within reach! Farmhouse Ales as well.

[bluesman]

Always within reach! Farmhouse Ales as well.

+1 to Blam and Farmhouse Ales

Denny...when is your book with Drew being released?

[denny]

Always within reach! Farmhouse Ales as well.

+1 to Blam and Farmhouse Ales

Denny...when is your book with Drew being released?

Nov. 2014.  And in all modesty (  ) I've got to say that it's shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive, yet different, brewing books I've ever seen.  Kind of an anti-How to Brew.  We don't tell you how to brew...we give you the options and tools to decide for yourself.

[ynotbrusum]

Stan H's BLAM is great, I agree.  He has Tomme Arthur's double in there, if I recall correctly (raisin addition in the fermenter- I did them in the boil - Doh!).  Great stuff.

I can't wait for Denny and Drew's collaborative effort and FWIW, I did CP's Claude of Neptune 2 as revised by CP in the December Zymurgy, IIRC.  It is lagering in secondary with dry hops as I write this...can't wait to sample it in a couple weeks.

[majorvices]

I actually think Charlie's book is a great read for beginners. Even the outdated books. It really has a way if inspiring brewing creativity. The recipes where a blast to read and I used to thumb through them over and over again when I first hit into brewing looking for ideas. It may have been outdated compared to HTB but the techniques made very good beer and there was a creative spirit there that was unquenchable.

[morticaixavier]

I actually think Charlie's book is a great read for beginners. Even the outdated books. It really has a way if inspiring brewing creativity. The recipes where a blast to read and I used to thumb through them over and over again when I first hit into brewing looking for ideas. It may have been outdated compared to HTB but the techniques made very good beer and there was a creative spirit there that was unquenchable.

+1 I still recommend it to first time brewers and actually gave my copy to a brewer who was just starting out.

[HoosierBrew]

+1. The RDWHAHB cliche really is really great advice for new brewers. The whole tone of the book is fun, exciting, and well.......relaxing to the nerves of somebody brewing for the first time. I'll never forget how much I enjoyed reading it cover to cover. I was like a kid at Christmas when I realized "I can do this s#$^ " !

[el_capitan]

+1. The RDWHAHB cliche really is really great advice for new brewers. The whole tone of the book is fun, exciting, and well.......relaxing to the nerves of somebody brewing for the first time. I'll never forget how much I enjoyed reading it cover to cover. I was like a kid at Christmas when I realized "I can do this s#$^ " !

Exactly.  What a welcoming introduction to the hobby.  I remember reading that thing voraciously, feeling like I could conquer the world!  Sipping that first homebrew (Elbro Nerkte's Brown Ale) was unforgettable.  The Sparrow Hawk Porter was wicked good too.  Did anybody ever actually brew the Goat Scrotum Ale?