Reddit mentions of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage

These two are both great reads

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I suggested it elsewhere on here, but if you're interested in the history this is a good primer.

Chuck's book is good but when it comes to the history of bourbon, Mike Veach's book is much better. http://www.amazon.com/Kentucky-Bourbon-Whiskey-American-Heritage/dp/0813141656

I recommend 3 books to get your started.

1. [Bourbon, Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey] (http://www.amazon.com/Bourbon-Straight-Unfiltered-American-Whiskey/dp/0975870300) by Charles Cowdery
   
   
2. Bourbon, Strange by Charles Cowdery
   
   
3. Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage by Mike Veach
   
   You'll learn how brands and distilleries were started, shuttered, shuffled, and sold. You'll learn who influenced and inspired brands and names.
   
   The two authors of the three books are arguably the foremost authorities on the subject of bourbon, most especially its history. Besides, the books are phenomenal reads IMO.

http://www.amazon.com/Kentucky-Bourbon-Whiskey-American-Heritage/dp/0813141656

This guy has literally spent most of his life researching the history.

I'm not sure if it's all-encompassing, but Veach's "Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey" has a pretty extensive discussion about sales and mergers after prohibition.