Coffee Lifestyle
11 inspiring books about coffee
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Whether you're looking to learn about coffee history or discover how to make latte art, we've got you covered with our list of the 11 best coffee books.
The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffman
An encyclopaedia of all things coffee written by James Hoffman, owner of Square Mile Coffee Roasters, a multi-award-winning coffee roasting company in East London. This in-depth guide covers everything from where coffee comes from and how it’s grown and harvested, to how you can roast and make coffee at home. Not only is it packed full of fascinating historical content, you’ll also find plenty of useful tips and tutorials too, which is why we think this is one of the best coffee books available today.
Uncommon Grounds by Mark Pendergrast
Want to discover the complete history of coffee? Then Uncommon Grounds is for you. This wonderful read dives into the initial discovery of the coffee bean on a hill in ancient Abyssinia, travels through the years right up to to the creation of the first ever Starbucks. Pendergrast looks at how the coffee industry has shaped the world today in a truly interesting book that’s perfect for reading while sipping your morning cuppa.
Coffee: A Global History by Jonathan Morris
Eager to know more about the distinctive taste of different coffees? ‘Coffee: A Global History’ explains how the world acquired a taste for coffee, and why coffee tastes so different throughout the world. This wonderful book also delves into who drank coffee, why and where, how it was prepared and what it tasted like. It identifies the regions and ways in which coffee was grown, who worked the farms and who owned them, how the beans were processed, traded and transported. Morris looks at the business structure behind coffee too. A truly fascinating book perfect for those long, lazy coffee mornings.
The Philosophy of Coffee by Brian Williams
Do you feel like you’re in need of more historical factual coffee content in your life? Then you definitely need to get your hands on this book about coffee. This is a short, illuminating introduction to the history and culture of coffee, from the humble origins of the bean in northeast Africa over a millennium ago to what it is today, a global phenomenon enjoyed by millions around the world. It’s the perfect gift for coffee lovers, with chapters on the rise of the coffee house, legal bans on coffee, Brazil's domination of the world coffee trade and the birth of the espresso. A must read, indeed!
How to Make Coffee: The Science Behind the Bean by Lani Kingston
For those of us who aren't coffee scientists but will never say no to a good cappuccino and might appreciate having a pocket-sized encyclopaedia all about coffee, this little book is literally the perfect fit. How to Make Coffee lays out the scientific principles for the coffee-loving non-scientist; stick to these and you will never drink an ordinary joe again. Making good coffee relies on understanding the science; why water has to be at a certain temperature, what grinding method works best, how roast affects taste, what happens when you add cream, and which bean you start out with. If you want to be a clued-up casual cappuccino drinker, this is the book for you.
Craft Coffee: A Manual by Jessica Easto
If you’re wondering how to get started with craft coffee, this one’s for you. In this an essential manual for brewing delicious craft coffee at home, Jessica Easto covers the equipment needed for home brewing, how coffee beans are grown, how to purchase the best coffee machine for you, and the various coffee flavour profiles.
The New Rules of Coffee by Jordan Michelman & Zachary Carlsen
From the founders of Sprudge, one of the world’s biggest coffee publications, The New Rules of Coffee is a wonderfully light read that offers a jargon-free guide to the world of coffee. Perfect for those who aren’t big readers, the short book covers where coffee comes from, how it’s grown, and how to brew the perfect cup at home.
Coffee: The Epic of a Commodity by Heinrich Eduard Jacob
Referred to as a documentary novel, this classic follows coffee's journey around the world from London to Brazil, telling the singular history of the legendary commodity in fascinating detail and amusing anecdotes, from the discovery that chewing on the beans were keeping goats awake in Yemen to the author’s own experiences with the bean in 1935. If you’re looking for some truly inspirational with great factual content, this one’s for you.
Coffee For One by KJ Fallon
For those who love a bit of A-list name dropping with their coffee, this book might be to your taste. Coffee For One is an inside look into the modern business of making coffee focusing on the revolution that made single serve such a popular way to consume coffee worldwide, and the competition and conflict that got us here. Featuring A-list names, corporate intrigue, environmental controversy and much more, this revolutionary read is often as eye-opening as your strongest espresso!
Coffee Art by Dhan Tamang
Inspired to learn how to create beautiful latte art? Coffee Art will get you started in no time. Featuring over 60 designs from one of the world’s leading latte artists, you’ll discover how to free pour, stencil and etch like a master. Just don’t forget to snap a pic for your Instagram when you’re done!
Coffeeography: The Coffee Producers by Stephen Philip Leighton
Coffeeography: The Coffee Producers is a node to the importance of relationships in the coffee world, profiling some of the many amazing and inspiring coffee producers that the author has had the privilege of working with during his time at Hasbean. Speciality coffee isn't just about coffee and its flavours, but about the love and care that goes into it too.
Make your day more exciting with a cup of your favourite coffee and one of these top books about coffee.
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