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Uncommon Grounds: The History Of Coffee And How It Transformed Our World

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Who Would Like This Book:

Pour yourself a fresh cup! This book is the ultimate guide for coffee lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about how their morning brew became a global phenomenon. Mark Pendergrast takes you on a lively journey through centuries of international intrigue, culture, controversy, and caffeine-fueled innovation. Whether you work in the coffee industry or just love learning fun, quirky facts, you'll find plenty to savor - and it's written in a friendly, accessible style that's never intimidating.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you're looking for an even-handed world history, you might be put off by the book's heavy focus on the US, sometimes at the expense of coffee stories elsewhere. Some readers found parts a bit basic or repetitive, especially the deep dives into American advertising and brand history. The writing can sometimes feel like it's aimed at newcomers, explaining things that some might consider common knowledge. If you're after the latest coffee trends and 21st-century updates, this book stops short at the Starbucks boom.

A must-read for anyone curious about coffee’s dramatic role in world history, but be ready for an American-leaning perspective and a sometimes breezy approach. Still, it’s richly detailed and full of surprises - perfect for those who want more than just a caffeine fix.

About:

'Uncommon Grounds: The History Of Coffee And How It Transformed Our World' by Mark Pendergrast delves into the rich history of coffee and its profound impact on societies globally. Readers are taken on a journey through the centuries, exploring the origins of coffee, its cultivation, trade, and consumption. Pendergrast's writing style is engaging and informative, presenting a comprehensive account of how coffee has shaped economies, cultures, and politics throughout history. not only narrates the evolution of the coffee industry but also sheds light on the social implications and controversies surrounding this beloved beverage.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is accessible and engaging, making complex subjects more relatable to a wide audience.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intricately weaves together the history of coffee, highlighting its transformation and influence on global societies.

Setting:

The setting is global and historical, tracing coffee's influence across different societies and times.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some moments feeling slow due to detail, but generally keeps the reader engaged.
Coffee makes us severe, and grave, and philosophical. —Jonathan Swift, 1722 [Coffee causes] an excessive state of brain-excitation which becomes manifest by a remarkable loquaciousness sometimes accom...

Notes:

Coffee played a significant role in shaping governments, economies, and cultures around the world.
The book offers an overwhelming amount of information, covering the history, geography, and economics of coffee.
Coffee has influenced European politics, making people more serious and engaged while involved in the exploitation of others.
The boiling of water for coffee reduced the spread of water-borne diseases.
JS Bach wrote a humorous cantata about coffee, showcasing its cultural impact.
The book details the exploitation and land grabs linked to coffee production.
It includes quirky anecdotes about old-time brewing methods that serve as conversation starters.
The book reveals the surprising connection between Kellogg's corn flakes and coffee's history.
Despite its American-centric focus, it features global stories and characters related to coffee.

From The Publisher:

The definitive history of the world's most popular drug

Uncommon Grounds tells the story of coffee from its discovery on a hill in ancient Abyssinia to the advent of Starbucks. Mark Pendergrast reviews the dramatic changes in coffee culture over the past decade, from the disastrous "Coffee Crisis" that caused global prices to plummet to the rise of the Fair Trade movement and the "third-wave" of quality-obsessed coffee connoisseurs. As the scope of coffee culture continues to expand, Uncommon Grounds remains more than ever a brilliantly entertaining guide to the currents of one of the world's favorite beverages.

1999
480 pages

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