From the drunkenness of the pilgrims to Prohibition hijinks, drinking has always been a cherished American custom — a way to grieve as well as a way to take the edge off. At many pivotal points in US history — whether the illegal Mayflower landing at Cape Cod or the McCarthy witch hunts of the 1950s — alcohol has acted as a catalyst. Bestselling author Susan Cheever, who teaches nonfiction writing at the New School University and at Vermont’s Bennington College, discusses our nation’s history of drinking and its effects on the American character and signs copies of her book, “Drinking in America: Our Secret History.” 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. at 92nd St. Feb. 1, noon. Tickets are $25 at 92y.org.
