"Danko ?ipka's monograph is an excellent introduction to the languages, histories, and cultures of the Slavic peoples. Professionally written yet delivered in an accessible language, replete with intriguing topics and exemplified with interesting data, this book will fascinate anyone who wants to learn about the Slavic world and its linguistic characteristics." ? Motoki Nomachi ,, Slavic-Eurasian Research Center, Hokkaido University, Japan "?ipka invites us in the Slavic manner with a welcome drink and bids us to stay for a witty, enthralling read. Accessible to undergraduates, the text provides historical depth, contemporary substance, and matters for debate. The book will enchant those who love words: their sounds, meanings, and historical connections." ? Marc L. Greenberg , professor of Slavic languages and literatures, University of Kansas "?ipka has deftly and entertainingly simplified a complex story, making a rather technical subject accessible to a broad audience. This is a reader-friendly book that does indeed serve as a 'gateway' to the study of historical linguistics, the Slavic-language family as a whole, or a first (perhaps second) Slavic language.

" ? David S. Danaher , professor of Slavic studies, University of Wisconsin?Madison "With carefully chosen examples and clever comparisons, Danko ?ipka's Water, Whiskey, and Vodka offers nontechnical readers accessible answers to questions like: Where did the Slavic languages come from? How did they grow? How similar are they? What words did they import and export? Who sets their standards and their social status?"" ? Wayles Browne , professor emeritus of linguistics, Cornell University.