GOD AND GUINNESS: BOOK REVIEW
I had my first Guinness experience at Bull Feeney’s Irish Pub in Portland, Maine. Located in the historic waterfront district, my husband and I, cautiously sipped on the tall, dark stout while enjoying fish and chips. I remember looking out into the vast waters of the Atlantic and considered the voyage that my Irish ancestors once made, many of whom landed upon the shores of Maine.
I have to admit that the reason for this month’s book choice, plain and simple, was the title. God and Guinness; I was hooked. Familiar with Stephen Mansfield’s work, I understood the style of writing I was getting into. The rigorous research and detail that goes into his biographical work is like a loaded potato, full of substance and topped with all sorts of extras.
From my perspective the book was laid out in three distinct parts; the history of beer, the rise of Arthur Guinness and his immediate family, and finally a legacy-in-action.
The History of Beer
During Mansfield’s detailed accounts of beer statistics and its enterprise, one story stuck out to me. The story of the Pilgrims in 1621 who, while struggling for survival, were approached by a Native American. At this time, they were unsure of the natives and felt guarded by this naked, brown-skinned man who rode into their camp on horseback. But when Native American, Samoset spoke English to them saying “Welcome” and then asked for some beer. The barriers were broken, trust was being forged, all by the hospitality that beer offered.
The Rise of Arthur Guinness
Born in County Down to a father who worked as a manager of an estate, Arthur learned the many traits of his father which included brewing beer. Then in 1759 Arthur leased the property at St.Jame’s Gate in Dublin to pursue his own independent brewing ambitions. Initially he fixed up the grounds and buildings, and got his new brewery brewing. It was, as most new ventures are, slow going at first. Knowing what we know now, some 250 years later, Aurthur’s dream not only has survived but has transformed lives for generations. That is not to blind us to the character required to make it work, the long hours, and the fortitude of soul that a risky, expensive business launch demands. What distinguishes his story is that his success was also a calling to a purpose of God beyond himself and his family, to see the broader good he could do in the world.
Legacy In Action
Could it be true that a man be measured by the culture he creates? Culture. It means “what is encouraged to grow”. Guinness the beer is magnificent, yes, but it is the Guinness culture that for nearly two centuries changed the lives of Guinness workers, transformed poverty in Dublin, and inspired other companies to understand that care for their employees was their most important work.
A few months ago, while working alongside my husband in our home office, I watched him conducting a phone meeting regarding the financial affairs of his grandmother. His grandmother, who at 60 years of age became a widow. I watched my husband as he diligently discussed matters stated in a will that his grandfather had prepared long before he was even born.
It struck me as I thought about a mans legacy. How we work so hard in life to organize and prepare and take good care of our finances all with the hope, the hope that it will live on. I doubt that my husband’s grandfather had any notion that his six year old grandson would be taking his legacy and moving it forward into the next generation. I consider these things as I find myself so wrapped up in my work, my daily hardships, and what my purpose is. Would I be satisfied in this life if I never saw the fruit of my work? I look deep into the eyes of my children and ponder the idea that maybe the sowing and labor I endure today will be their harvest. Could my legacy be carried by eyes I’ve never met, the off-spring of my children’s children, who still remain the twinkling in my Father’s heart?