The corkscrew is a relative newcomer in the history of wine. Before the eighteenth century and the development of modern bottling techniques, wine was only very rarely transported in glass bottles. But then, the English discovered cork (imported from Portugal) was a far healthier way of stopping bottles than earlier methods, and so the corkscrew was born.

This book relates how the patent for the corkscrew was granted to an Englishman, Samuel Henshall, in 1795. It is claimed he drew his inspiration from a device with a similar twisted metal point used for loading firearms. We also learn how the corkscrew grew in popularity, and smaller models in mother-of-pearl and gold were soon on offer to ladies wishing to uncork their perfumes and smelling salts in a delicate manner. Today, they are made in all manner of materials, from the traditional wood and bone to hi-tech plastics and alloys. Even designers and artists have turned their attention to this humble object, with occasionally astonishing results...

With over 500 color photographs presenting the full array

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Whether old or modern, classic or frivolous, from the most straightforward pulling device to the incredible ingenuity of nineteenth-century inventions, corkscrews have long been the basis of many a cherished collection.

Collectible Corkscrews features over 500 color photographs of corkscrews, from rare and valuable early models to recent designer creations. Each photograph is accompanied by a short text explaining the significance of every item. Whether you are a novice or a long-term corkscrew devotee, this book is sure to surprise and inform you. But be warned: once you have been bitten by the corkscrew bug, you are a collector for life...