At the bar, Brookline Booksmith hopes author will speak easy

By Brock Parker, Town Correspondent

The Brookline Booksmith is inviting patrons to imbibe the story of Boston barrooms over cocktails at an upcoming book-signing event this month.

The bookstore in Coolidge Corner is partnering with neighboring restaurant the Regal Beagle to co-host a book-signing on Jan. 20 for author Stephanie Schorow’s new book “Drinking Boston: A History of the City and Its Spirits.”

"DrinkingBoston: A History of the City and Its Spirits" was released in November. Image courtesy Union Park Press.

The book explores Boston barrooms from colonial-era taverns and prohibition to today’s craft cocktail bars, and argues the bars have long been the city’s living room, where people seek out comfort and like-minded friends.

A frequent host of book-signings and readings, the Booksmith decided Schorow’s subject matter deserved something different.

“We love hosting author talks here at the Brookline Booksmith,” said Booksmith events director Jamie Tan said in a press release. “But when we read Schorow’s ‘Drinking Boston,’ we knew that we had to take this event out of the store. This is an author talk that belongs in a bar.”

Schorow will discuss her book and sign copies at the Regal Beagle at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 in an event co-hosted by the Booksmith along with “Drinking Boston” publisher, Union Park Press, and Boston-based Bully Boys.

The event is being called “Bawdy Boston at the Beagle” and will pay tribute to prohibition and guests will enjoy a selection of prohibition-themed snacks and cocktails.

A complimentary copy of “Drinking Boston” will be included with tickets, which are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.

Tickets are available online at Ticketfly.com. For more information, call Brookline Booksmith at 617-566-6660.