This fascinating history of alcohol consumption in British Columbia focuses on two periods of harsh liquor prohibitions: first on its Native population from 1854 to 1962, and second, on the entire population, during the 1917 to 1921 period. Using formerly closed police files, Douglas Hamilton traces the scandals, corruption and crime that resulted from the implementation of prohibition. Includes archival photos.

Douglas L. Hamilton was born in Washington, DC, and received his MA in history from the University of California, Riverside. After a brief vacation to British Columbia in the early 1970s, he moved to the Gulf Islands to farm. Soon after, Hamilton began writing history pieces for magazines, and his stories have appeared in Pacific Yachting, Canadian West, and True West. He has also contributed to the three most recent volumes of Raincoast Chronicles. Hamilton has covered such diverse topics as the smallpox epidemic of 1862, the Pig War, rum-running, Typhoon Frieda, and the submarine attack on Estevan Lighthouse. Hamilton lives on Lasqueti Island with his wife and her harpsichord, three cows, four sheep and a flock of chickens.

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“Sobering Dilemma is a richly researched and colourful story of an under-represented chapter of British Columbia history. Beautifully written, this book is a joy ride from beginning to end.”—Wendy Wickwire, Department of History, University of Victoria

“An engaging account of why some British Columbians have been willing to control the rights of others to drink beer, wine or spirits. Racism, moral certainty, fear of drunkenness — they’ve all played a role in prohibiting, regulating and demonizing liquor. Sobering Dilemma reminds us of the dangers of smugness in thinking that we have the answers on behalf of others.”—Jean Barman

“Sobering Dilemma is much more than a history of prohibition. It is a lively tale of drinking, prosecution, and persecution. The secret files of the B.C. Provincial Police are particularly fascinating. At times you will shake your head in disbelief about our colourful liquor past.”—Dr. Robert A. Campbell, author of Sit Down and Drink Your Beer: Regulating Vancouver’s Beer Parlours, 1925-1954