he subject of cider has attracted the novelist Annie Proulx, who co-authored this complete and authoritative work. Currently, cider is experiencing a bit of a revival as apple growers pursue niche markets and value-added products.

Annual cider production in this country doubled in the five years between 1994 and 1999 and has been growing steadily ever since. There are now about 120 domestic cider makers, ranging from large producers of carbonated cider six packs to artisanal sparkling or still ciders made in small batches. The European cider industry, as well as prominent American brewers, Miller's and Stroh's, are investing substantially in American cider.