The Philosophy of Coffee – it’s a intriguing title, but if truth be told this book covers the history more than the philosophy of coffee.
Having said that, it’s still a great little book that gives a fascinating insight into coffee’s journey from Ethiopia via Yemen, London, Italy and America to become the global phenomenon it is today.
I was surprised to learn, for example, that espresso machines were originally created simply to allow coffee shops to sell more coffee, more quickly; yet now the majority of coffees sold are espresso based.
On the subject of espresso, I think my one-line Twitter review sums the book up perfectly: “the book is like a good espresso – short, sharp and with great depth of flavour”
Brian also writes a great blog detailing coffee shops around the UK and beyond – a very handy resource.