Charles E. Hires and the Drink That Wowed a Nation

"Charles E. Hires and the Drink That Wowed a Nation" by Bill Double explores the remarkable journey of Charles Elmer Hires, the visionary behind Hires Root Beer, and his significant impact on the American soft drink industry. Through a blend of interviews, newspaper articles, and family records, the biography delves into Hires' entrepreneurial spirit, his role in the rise of advertising, and the cultural context of his time, including the evolving neighborhood drugstore and the temperance movement. This engaging narrative highlights Hires’ achievements, from creating a beloved beverage to building a largest condensed milk company, offering a compelling look at a pivotal figure in American capitalism.