Why We Drink Too Much by Charles Knowles - ISBN: 9781035062096
Hardcover
Explore the history, science, and culture behind our enduring love affair with alcohol.

Why We Drink Too Much

The Hidden Science of Just One More

$45.90

  • Hardcover

    304 pages

  • Release Date

    13 January 2026

Check Delivery Options

Summary

In Why We Drink Too Much, Dr Charles Knowles tackles the complex relationship we have with alcohol, blending the latest scientific findings with historical anecdotes and his own personal insights. It’s a journey through time, exploring how alcohol has shaped our history, our celebrations and, for some, our struggles.

Knowles breaks down the science of why we drink, from the neurological effects of alcohol to the societal pressures that shape our drinking habits, making intric…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781035062096
ISBN-10:1035062097
Author:Charles Knowles
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Imprint:Macmillan
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:304
Release Date:13 January 2026
Weight:500g
Dimensions:28mm x 164mm x 244mm
Audience Age:18
A-Format
B-Format
C-Format
Why We Drink Too Much by Charles Knowles - ISBN: 9781035062096
164 × 244 mm
A4
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

Openhearted … In a useful entry in the growing canon of ‘quit lit,’ Charles Knowles blends science and memoir to persuade readers to cut down on alcohol – The New York Times
Why We Drink Too Much is a compelling and fascinating exploration of why we drink – and why some of us can’t stop. The author lays bare his soul in a raw, honest account of his struggles with alcohol, interwoven with world-class scientific insight into the brain, genetics, and the powerful pull of this drug. A must-read for anyone, especially those seeking to understand the hidden forces that drive us to drink too much – Dr Andrew Jenkinson. bestselling author of Why We Eat (Too Much)
A fantastic book. Dr Knowles presents the reader with his wealth of knowledge and experience in an accessible and engaging way, stripping away the confusion on this difficult topic – William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained
Illuminating, fascinating and beautifully written. If you’ve ever had an issue with drink and asked yourself ‘why me?’ then this book is for you – Clare Pooley, bestselling author of The Sober Diaries
Compelling and compassionate. Written by a surgeon and academic, Why We Drink Too Much fuses clinical insight with human vulnerability. The true gift, however, lies in the author’s candid sharing of his own drinking story – an experience that was not only addictive but ultimately became deeply problematic. Knowles describes his own journey of recovery with honesty, humility and hard-won insight. – Jackie Malton, author, TV script consultant and former senior police officer
Brilliant. Devastating. Hopeful. Dr. Knowles blends science, story and compassion in a way that will resonate deeply with anyone rethinking their drinking. – Anna Donaghey, author and host of The Big Drink Rethink podcast
Fancy a drink? Think again! This compelling text by a distinguished surgeon explains why – Professor Stephen Westaby, bestselling author of Fragile Lives
From Vervet Monkeys to Keith Moon, this is a compact work full of fascinating and sometimes troubling research – it will embolden readers tired of drinking and ready for sobriety – Robin Ince, author of Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal

About The Author

Charles Knowles

Dr Charles Knowles is a practicing surgeon at the esteemed Cleveland Clinic, a Professor of Surgery at Queen Mary University of London and a recovering alcohol addict. Dr Knowles has published over 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers and several other academic books. More recently, he has been an expert contributor to sober community groups and programs such as ‘The Alcohol Experiment’ directed at UK Blue Light services.

Returns

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.