The problem of how to garnish a Martini has always divided generations of devotees. From the very start we wish to state clearly which side we are going to align ourselves with: we are absolutely and unconditionally on the side of those who consider the olive as the true, unique, indispensable element apt to change a blend of gin and vermouth into a Martini. “In Defence of the Olive in a Martini” is a little pamphlet which lightheartedly deals with olives, quite obviously, and Martinis. But it is also about paintings, women, American literature, journeys, old inns, solid and plane geometry, botany, chemistry, ancient crafts, and dreams.