Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide

by Steven P. Unger, Ruth St. Steven (photographer)

BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS A Coffee Travel Guide, is the first and only book to trace coffee consumption from its origins in prehistory to becoming the world's second-most-valuable commodity after oil—and to pair this history with replicable, affordable Coffee Experiences that provide a unique approach and added value to the readers' destinations, no matter how many times they've been there before. This book is a multi-genre travel book with unique historical insights that immerse the reader in the culture of a country or city through the lens of the destination's deep relationship with coffee. No other travel book has ever provided the kind of total immersion into a country or city—through histories, travel directions, one-of-a-kind photos, and recipes—that BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS A Coffee Travel Guide, delivers in every chapter.
The timing is right for BLACK AS HELL, STRONG AS DEATH, SWEET AS A Coffee Travel Guide, a history of coffee and a travel guide to Coffee Experiences on almost every continent. Plus, there are recipes.
Among the Coffee Experience destinations are places that almost no one goes to, like Ethiopia's South Omo, and places masses of tourists go to, like Paris. Other Coffee Experiences are closer to home for Americans, as simple as sharing a colada at a ventanilla in Miami's Little Havana; or taking the Canal streetcar to the end of the line, where Morning Call in New Orleans' Spanish moss-shrouded City Park offers chicory coffee, beignets, crawfish bread, gumbo, alligator sausage, and jambalaya just a short walk away from the last remaining section of Bayou Metairie.
These Coffee Experiences result from three years of related travel, five years of research, and decades of travel and travel writing. These are the Best of the Best, the Coffee Experiences that surpassed all our expectations.
Linking the Coffee Experiences to history provides a unique approach to a city or country's particular relationship to coffee. Coffee Experiences may be in the middle of, or adjacent to heavily touristed areas, but for the most part, they are places barely mentioned in guidebooks.
The Coffee Trail is full of curious twists and turns, spanning millennia and the rise and fall of great civilizations. Surviving bans from religions and regimes, coffee consumption has changed its style constantly to adapt to new customs, new physiologies, and new technologies with the driving mandates of better taste and more effective delivery systems for the physically and psychologically stimulating effects of caffeine.
All along the Coffee Trail, from Africa to Europe and the New World, each culture and country has added its own unique stamp to the passport of Coffee Experiences. This book is a journey through those countries and cultures with stopovers that are sometimes a reenactment, and sometimes a re-imagination of a unique time and place in the human history of coffee consumption.


"The authors love both coffee and cafés. I don’t care for coffee (besides Israeli instant coffee), but I am fascinated by cafés 'where one can think.' We all share the book's vision of the café—as a world of dreams. This book helps those dreams come true." ~ Ariel Rubinstein, Professor, School of Economics, Tel Aviv University and Department of Economics, New York University

"A passionate and precise work that tells the story of coffee from A to Z.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Cookbooks

161 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2025

Reviews

[anonymous book addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

I usually don’t pick up nonfiction, but I’ve read ones that managed to be fun and engaging. This one started off interesting, but then it completely shifted into textbook mode. Honestly, it felt like I was studying for an exam instead of reading for enjoyment. The pictures didn’t do much for me either.

The book felt a bit all over the place, more like a compilation of dates and recipes. Coffee was the “link” between everything, but it didn’t feel cohesive.

To be fair, some chapters do include lists of coffee spots to check out in different places, plus recipes and further reading links, which might be helpful if that’s exactly what you’re looking for. But overall, for me, it wasn’t engaging enough and felt too dense.

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was all over the place for me. It mostly felt like reading a dry textbook, not too travel-y, lots of dates, some anecdotes, and recipes sourced from the internet or cafes themselves. Coffee felt like the loose connection between dense historical dates, several countries, and what read like a lot of compiled google information.

I found a few things I really enjoyed. Namely, some of the places I've actually been, and some nice photographs. It felt like a person who wanted to write an ode to travel and coffee - I can appreciate that. It just didn't quite deliver in the vein of a compelling travel guide/story or a comprehensive guide to flavors of coffee aside from "this one is quite good" or "they drink their coffee very sweet".

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a copy of this book to review.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black as Hell, Strong As Death, And Sweet As Love: A Coffee Travel Guide is a non-fiction history about coffee from around the world.

The coffee story begins in Ethiopia and the co-authors follow its trail to Jordan, Istanbul, Paris, Turin and later to the New World including Cuba, Hawaii, New Orleans, Costa Rica, Miami and San Francisco.

Most chapters include useful lists of places to visit in each city or country, as well as where to drink the best coffee and often contain coffee drink recipes and additional further reading links. There are also colour photos to accompany the narrative from the extensive travels of both of the authors.

This is an informative book, especially for coffee lovers and I can easily imagine this being a ‘coffee table’ type of book, where it can be read while enjoying a cup of your favourite brew. It would also be an ideal gift for coffee drinkers.

[Jim Razinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been drinking coffee for nearly fifty years. Now, the first ten didn’t count because I was too young to know anything about it. And for the next 20 it was Navy coffee, so that doesn’t count either {grin}. But I’ve only been drinking coffee for the last twenty. Grinding my beans, brewing in a myriad of ways - French press, pour over, Costa Rican chorreador, espresso, cold brew, Aeropress. Quests for fresh roasted beans (I decided long ago that roasting them myself is just a bit over the top…and too much work, but this book has me considering it) and sources for the finest available around me. So to say I was primed for this book might be an understatement. I am thankful to receive a review copy through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. And this book reveals to me the (slightly embarrassing truth) that I’ve gotten lazy in my coffee experiences. I probably should get a Moka pot to try.

Mr. Unger and Ms. St. Steven visited some places I’ve never been but are on my bucket list; some I doubt I’ll ever get to. I have been to many of the places - but not Ethiopia, Jordan, Turkey, Torino (though I have been to Milano, Firenze, Venetia, Roma), Cuba, and Israel. I didn’t have the world’s number one (Kona) coffee in Hawaii - I was only there twice for a few days on Navy business - and I’ve never been all that impressed by Kona. Tastes vary. I had Peet’s in S.F., Cuban in Miami. In Paris and Italy, the more worldly servers try to warn me that macchiato is not what Starbucks has (I politely responded that I know what a real macchiato is!) and the espressos, and cappuccinos were wonderful. I was rather surprised to see New Orleans chicory coffee. I had to try it, and the beignets, at (The) Café du Monde. Crowded … at night even…, messy, and … chicory.

I loved Costa Rican coffee, and the farm where I got the chorreador is the first place I ever got beans directly from the source. It’s also where I first learned of species other than Arabica and Robusta. And as the author notes, some of the best coffee I had was (at places not Cafetería Privilegios but still) from beans roasted, ground and brewed right in front of me. PSA: make sure to flush your new chorreador several times with hot water before trying to brew with it… you don’t want the manufacturing chemicals.

What you get here is a delightful mix of travel, history, culture, recipes. There are details of contacts in and for each place described and local histories to go with general histories. I will be trying several the recipes shared here, and I’ve made notes for when I make it to Istanbul, and perhaps Petra.

Photographers don’t seem to get the accolades unless the book is only a boy photography, so props to Ms. St. Steven for some beautiful photos.

And there is a lot left to explore! Vietnam (yes, I know, Robusta, but they have become rather influential since recovering after the US left), Indonesia, South America, and other Central America countries. I was never a fan of most coffee from the latter two regions, but recently I have had some wonderful small lot beans from Guatemala, Ecuador, D.R., and Paraguay. And if you are ever in Prague, be sure to try their Algerian coffee.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Black as Hell, Strong as Death, Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide
By Steven P. Unger & Ruth St. Steven
Rating: 4.7/5

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overview
This innovative travel guide redefines the genre by weaving coffee culture into the fabric of global exploration. More than a catalog of cafés, it immerses readers in the history, rituals, and social significance of coffee across 50 destinations, from Ethiopian highlands to Tokyo’s kissaten. Blending travelogue, cultural anthropology, and stunning photography, it appeals to both coffee aficionados and wanderlust-driven readers.

Strengths
Multisensory Cultural Immersion
Each chapter transcends mere recommendations, delving into how coffee reflects local identity. For example, the section on Turkey explores how çaydanlık (double-boiler coffee) mirrors communal values, while Colombia’s chapter ties coffee farming to economic resilience. Ruth St. Steven’s photographs—steaming cups against bustling markets or misty plantations—elevate the narrative.

Historical Depth & Anecdotes
Unger’s research unearths lesser-known stories, like the role of Yemeni Sufi monks in popularizing coffee or Vienna’s coffeehouses as Enlightenment-era intellectual hubs. These insights transform the book into a compelling historical document.

Practical Yet Poetic
While providing actionable tips (best brewing methods per region, etiquette guides), the prose remains lyrical. Descriptions like “Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, where time dissolves into incense and conversation” balance utility with artistry.

Inclusive Perspective
The guide highlights marginalized voices, such as women-led cooperatives in Rwanda or Indigenous growers in Chiapas, challenging Eurocentric coffee narratives.

Weaknesses

Niche Appeal
Non-coffee drinkers may find the hyper-focused theme limiting compared to broader travel guides.

Uneven Geographic Coverage
While exhaustive on coffee powerhouses (Italy, Brazil), some regions (e.g., Southeast Asia beyond Vietnam) receive scant attention.

Comparative Perspective
Unlike generic guides like Lonely Planet, this book carves a unique niche akin to The World Atlas of Coffee but with a stronger travel bent. Its hybrid approach recalls Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour, blending gastronomy with cultural storytelling.

Final Verdict
A 4.7/5 for its originality, depth, and visual splendor. While not a comprehensive travel manual, it’s an indispensable companion for those who believe the best journeys begin with a cup of coffee.

Best for: Travelers seeking culturally rich itineraries, coffee professionals, and photography enthusiasts. Pair with a freshly brewed pour-over for optimal reading.

[Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ardent lover of filter coffee, I picked up this book with great curiosity—and it didn’t disappoint. What I expected to be a light read turned out to be a deep, immersive journey into the global culture, history, and rituals surrounding coffee. From Ethiopia and Jordan to Paris, Istanbul, Turin, Cuba, New Orleans, and beyond, the chapters paint a vivid picture of how coffee connects people across countries and cultures.
Each place's brewing techniques, serving customs, and the ceremonial importance of coffee are meticulously documented in crisp prose that brings the scenes to life. The rich, vibrant photographs not only complement the text but elevate the reading experience, adding layers of visual storytelling. I especially loved the thoughtful quotes that open each chapter—they set the tone beautifully.
This book is much more than a guide; it’s a celebration of coffee as both art and ritual. Scattered throughout are fascinating facts—some surprising, even shocking. For instance, did you know coffee was once banned in 1600s Istanbul under threat of death? Or that Ethiopians used almost every part of the coffee plant centuries ago, long before brewing became widespread?
Each chapter ends with curated recipes, beverage suggestions, and contact recommendations, making it both practical and inspiring. While it would’ve been great to see more countries included, what’s here is rich, layered, and satisfying. It’s not a book you rush through—you can flip to any section and find something compelling.
Though it leans slightly textbook-like at times, the blend of storytelling, travel, history, and culture more than makes up for it.
If you love coffee—not just drinking it, but understanding its place in the world—you’ll definitely enjoy this one. I now know with joy that wherever I go, I can sip my favorite drink while appreciating the diverse, beautiful traditions behind it.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee makes everything better.

Some of my favorite passages in this book were the ones that described how various cultures read people’s fortunes based on how the coffee grounds settle in the bottom of their cup. This was something I’d only ever heard about being done with tea leaves, so I was intrigued to find out what rituals and cultural expectations were associated with this form of predicting the future.

I also loved learning about what has been added to coffee both historically as well as in our current time. Milk and sugar were the most common answers, of course, but human beings are far too creative to stop there. As someone who prefers sweeter and milder doses of caffeine, it was interesting to read about the other options out there and how they’re ground up, dried, frozen, baked, or otherwise prepared for the perfect cup of joe.

Mr. Unger achieved the perfect balance of giving readers an overview of the history and cultural mores of coffee from all over the world while also keeping the pacing moving forward steadily. There were bibliographies provided at the end of each section for readers who, for example, might want to learn more about how coffee is served in Ethiopia or Hawaii in particular. This was a great way to share deeper information with readers who wanted it while also sticking to the highlights for those who preferred to read a little bit about every region featured here.

Black as Hell, Strong as Death, Sweet as Love – A Coffee Travel Guide made me want to run to the nearest coffee shop. Yum!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was such a fascinating read. Like much of the population, I am a coffee drinker, but I didn’t always know that there could be a powerful history behind the cultivation of coffee beans throughout the world. The sheer volume of detail and insight the author provides into this subject is fascinating. The author explores different cultures and continents not only in terms of how the coffee bean has grown and evolved there but also how the consumption of coffee has evolved and grown over time.

The balance of the beauty that photographer Ruth St. Steven captured with the imagery of the author’s writing style and the sense of adventure that this book brought made it such an engaging read. The book not only featured an eclectic collection of history and stories related to coffee, but each location the author explored came with recommendations for orders and recipes, as well as where to get coffee while there.

The Verdict

Equal parts reference book, guide, history, and adventure book, author Steven P. Unger’s “Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love” is a must-read. The honesty, depth of knowledge, and thorough exploration of this subject, the locations where these products can be found, and the passion for coffee in general will draw readers in instantly.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publishing date: 31.10.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Robert D. Reed Publishers for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

TLDR: An all in one coffee and travel guide with pictures, history, and how to. 4 stars

This book is so fun and informative. As a daily coffee drinker and lover, this is right up my alley. I always jump at the opportunity to try new flavors and recipes.To my delight, there are try-at-home recipes in this book!

The main attraction here is the history, spanning several countries. It dives into the many different ways coffee is prepared, drank, and used. I learned a lot and view coffee slightly differently now.

In addition to history we get guides for where to get coffee locally in the countries, where to stay, what to do, and some other tips that vary from place to place. Sadly, with this kind of info it will get outdated at some point.

Now my favorite is the recipes presented in the book. They are easy to follow, sometimes with pictures of the final product, a little history, and of course ingredients. I haven't tried any of them yet, but I am looking forward to it.

Overall this is a great little book for coffee lovers and curious minds. I highly recommend it. 4 stars.

[Himalayan Hikers]

I really liked this book. Drinking coffee while traveling feels like such a peaceful moment. Just a few days ago, I did the Sar Pass Trek, and it was extremely cold up there with a lot of snow. I genuinely enjoyed the trek—the views were amazing. I did the Sar Pass Trek with a company called Himalayan Hikers, and the overall journey with them was great. The tour guide and other group members were really nice and treated everyone kindly. We were all having fun together, full of energy and laughter.

But as we started reaching the higher altitude, the cold became more intense. So we kept enjoying cups of coffee along the way. Coffee is such a great way to beat the cold—and honestly, I’m a coffee addict myself. I love traveling, and coffee just adds that special warmth and comfort during the journey. That’s why this book really spoke to me—I absolutely loved it and If you also wish to do the Sar Pass Trek with Himalayan Hikers, you can follow this link and enjoy the trek too: https://www.himalayanhikers.in/sar-pa....

[Laur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

This was... disappointing. Not sure if it was something about the ebook version, but the photos are... not good. Some have both good framing and aperture choices, but most just looked blurry.
Some parts are repetitive in a way that can be confusing, make references few readers may know, and unchecked facts.
Mostly culturally aware, except for: when author mentioned discrepancies between locals' and tourists' lives in Cuba but did not do the same for Hawai'i, says Costa Rica was at risk of become "just another coffee/banana republic," when people still live and love in places that have been/are exploited. There didn't seem to be a good reason to include Israel frankly, when there wasn't anything this added to the 'history' of coffee culture and many countries have more differentiated and complex cafe culture - like South Korea or Indonesia. Little things, but they added up.
Liked the recipes and travel info, but I don't know if I'd recommend this.

[Jennyfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating insight into the history of coffee and the coffee cultures that have developed as coffee has made its way across the globe.

The book is broken up into sections - Africa, Europe and "The New World" - and then further separated into countries within. (Note - this does not include southern hemisphere locations)

For each country we have the history of how coffee made its way there; anecdotes from the author touring there, photos, coffee shop recommendations (note - this book was first published in 2018, so these may have changed), and recipes for making the local coffee specialities.

The book is quite text-heavy, and informative, covering the history of both the people and the coffee culture in each location .

Perfect for coffee aficionados. Time for another cuppa!

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ebook copy of this from LibraryThing in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

I give this book a 4 out of 5.

It is chock full of information about coffee, its origins and major hubs in the world that connect us to the coffee plant. I really enjoyed the different recipes provided for the different regions in the world. I'm always a big fan of learning how those of other cultures might consume something or what they eat with a coffee or tea.

This is the kind of book you'd give to a person who loves learning and has a passion for food in general and coffee specifically. Its filled with information, beautiful photos, recipes and resources that allow the reader to further their knowledge past the pages of the book if they so choose.

[Simi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only been drinking coffee for the past 10 years, but I have often felt that African coffee is not given the recognition it deserves, compared to the flavours that Americans prefer. This book, however, kicks off with the history, influence and flavours from Ethopia, before moving into separate parts about Europe and The New World. With history, recipes and personal stories, I drank this up (ha)!

However, I did not enjoy the formatting on Kindle and the photography had been rendered as low resolution, which would serve so much better as printed, coffee table book. As a Kindle publication, I felt it lacked aesthetic appeal.

Thank you to NetGalley and Robert D. Reed Publishers for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

[Lucy Marincel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley. This book was appealing to me as an avid coffee drinker. I am happy to talk about, read about, and look at pictures of coffee pretty much any time. Some of the anecdotes were new information and were interesting to learn about. The story of coffee is so encompassing that this book has no dearth of material. I found the flow of the book to be difficult to follow, however. It felt a bit choppy and there were parts that felt repetitive. I read this as a digital copy and I think that a color copy could be a good coffee table book or gift for someone who really loves coffee. Overall, I think this book is trying to be too many different things about a huge topic.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love is a one-of-a-kind journey that brews together history, culture, and caffeine into a rich, immersive travel experience. Steven P. Unger and Ruth St. Steven offer more than just destinations—they invite readers to see the world through the lens of coffee, exploring places as varied as Ethiopia’s South Omo and New Orleans’ City Park with fresh eyes and a deep appreciation for how coffee shapes identity and connection. The guide balances scholarly insight with personal warmth, blending vivid photography, thoughtful storytelling, and even recipes to create an unforgettable tour of global Coffee Experiences. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, this book is both a passport and a love letter to the world’s most beloved brew.

[Anastey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Robert D. Reed Publishers, and Steven P. Unger for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an intensely info packed book. I learned so much, and I never knew there was that much to growing and brewing coffee before this. There weren't a ton of photos, but the ones that were there were nice. I liked that it also included a few recipes too. There were times the information was so dense and detailed that it was hard to understand. It felt like reading a textbook.

This is a great book if you want something you can bite into and gnaw on for a while.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delight to read and experience! There is a lot of information about the history of coffee... its origins and the different ways to prepare the coffee depending on the many regions we experience through the author's words.

I learned a lot about coffee and many ways to prepare it. I'm looking forward to the experiences in my own home if I can manage to make some of these. Of course, to really experience the true nature of coffee, it would be super awesome to visit all these different countries and have the true experience. Until then, through the stories and pictures, I live vicariously through Unger and Steven's travels.

[Anna / At Lifestyle Crossroads Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique read for coffee lovers and curious travelers alike. This guide takes you on a global journey through the cultural rituals, histories, and flavors of coffee in different countries. I especially loved the section on Ethiopia - a country I haven’t visited yet - and was captivated by the description of sharing coffee with the Mursi tribe. It sounds like such a powerful and unique experience.

Even as someone who’s been to Istanbul several times and adores the city, I was surprised to discover two iconic coffee spots I had completely missed. Thanks to this book, they’re now at the top of my travel bucket list. A great read if you love your coffee with a side of culture and adventure.

[Tabby Shiflett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25-3.5 Stars
A coffee lover's cultural and historical guide to coffee Meccas around the world, this book is informative and pleasant. Best as an introduction for readers planning an around the world coffee tour, there are helpful links and recipes for each leg of the journey. I think more pictures would have helped break up the in-depth text, but overall, a lovely addition to any coffee table frequented by a caffeine aficionado.

LibraryThing Early Reviewer

[Tri · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy*

This book serves as a brief on coffee and a handful of places that have a coffee culture. This book wasn’t as in-depth as I assumed it would be, and the author isn’t as descriptive as I’d like on how the drinks themselves taste. The book is very much a cursory guide and not much else.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this, but I was intrigued. I thought I’d give it to read. What I didn’t expect was to pick it up. I love coffee and I loved everything about this book. I actually sent a copy to my best friend as consideration for our next girls trip. We’re both coffee lovers and this is definitely right up our alley.

[Kerry Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting book that is part natural history, travel guide and cookbook. If you are a coffee lover, then you definitely want to read this book before your next trip. I have been to two of the cities mentioned: New Orleans and Paris and both cultures do well by their coffee making.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book! My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

Even if you aren't traveling any farther than your backyard, this is a great book for any coffee lover! There are so many coffee recipes to try out, which is wonderful, as everyone has been learning to make all their favorite coffee drinks at home. I might try a few of the recipes.

Although I am not a traveler, I love coffee, and decided to request this book. I really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️