Nina Studer, a Swiss medical historian, delves into the intricate relationship between alcohol and French colonialism in North Africa. She discusses how societal views on alcohol consumption reveal broader historical narratives of gender, class, and nation. With a focus on absinthe, she traces its rise and fall in popularity, and how its use among soldiers became a source of anxiety for colonial powers. Studer's insights shed light on the cultural folklore surrounding alcohol in this era, making for a captivating exploration of history and identity.

Nina Studer, a Swiss medical historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century medical histories, explores the intricate connections between alcohol and society. She discusses how alcohol serves as a lens to analyze French colonial history, focusing on absinthe's role amid colonial anxieties. From the preferred drinks of settlers to the health concerns of soldiers, Nina reveals how these dynamics reflect issues of gender, class, and national identity. Her forthcoming book, 'The Hour of Absinthe,' delves into the cultural mythology surrounding this notorious spirit.