The World Encyclopedia of Coffee

by Mary Banks, Christine McFadden

In recent years, Americans have become real coffee connoisseurs, purchasing beans, grinders, makers and accessories with newfound zeal. Cafes and coffee chains are booming, and every corner of every city boasts a local favorite, with dozens of blends and special "house" favorite drinks and combinations. this new all-encompassing book celebrates coffee in all its guises for all those whose day just wouldn't start without that initial cup. Including a thorough, carefully-researched history of coffee, from its origins as a beverage to its current role as an international commodity, and recipes for favorite foods and drinks incorporating coffee in a variety of forms, this encyclopedic treatment will delight all coffee lovers and perhaps even convert some hold-outs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you rush to have that first cup of coffee in the morning, have you ever wondered about the origin of coffee or how it came to be a beverage?

Authors Mary Banks, Christine McFadden and Catherine Atkinson have written a book that is a must have for coffee lovers, THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COFFEE: The Definitive Guide to Coffee, From Simple Bean to Irresistible Beverage.

This informative book takes coffee lovers on a fascinating journey starting with the history of coffee. It explores the myths, mysteries, and legends. It discusses customs and rituals, as well as conflicts over coffee drinking. Once in Europe coffee was deemed to be medicine and was used by doctors, herbalist, midwives and chemists during the 17th century. From there the debate began about the pros and cons of drinking coffee and how it affects a person’s health.

There is a section on brewing coffee and the idea method to achieve the perfect cup of delicious beverage. The book also tells about where coffee comes from and follows it on its path. It describes the various types of coffee beans and their properties.

The section on ‘The Art of Coffee Drinking’ is amazing and very detailed. The various methods of preparing coffee are discussed and shown in vivid color step-by-step photographs.

To top off this intriguing book are sections featuring delicious recipes including coffee as an ingredient. Each recipe is accompanied by beautiful, rich color photos showing not only the end results, but step-by-step procedures in preparing the dish.

I only discovered one drawback to this tantalizing paperback book – the print was too small for my tired eyes, but a magnifying page overcame that obstacle.

THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COFFEE is packed full of amazing tidbits of coffee history and information. The recipes are stunning. Anyone who truly enjoys coffee will enjoy this book.

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

[Marty Büch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book all 5 stars, not because it is my favourite book or one of the best books that i know but simply because it is such a great book in its own niche. The book contains many delicious and surprising dishes, cakes, ice creams and drink all based and or related to coffee. It there for is a wonderful cookbook for coffee lovers.
But more important the first half of the book is a very detailed explanation about this black gold. From it's rich and deveris history to very well explained ways of how to make a wonderful cup of coffee and of course all related information about coffee beans.

It is easy to read this book yet the very detailed information reaches up to a enhanced level of knowledge therefor the book is interesting for both those who have a profession within coffee industry or any other professional relation to coffee, as well it is interesting for those who consider themselves merely coffee lover with a little knowledge to what they admire so much. This book has it all to make you love coffee even more and get more out of your favorite drink, time spender and life companion.

[Kevin Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never thought that a book on coffee would be such a great read. I started roasting my own beans a couple years ago..this book was a gift from my brother, base don my love of the "bean" The front of the book is a great diverse history of coffee and its use through the ages by many different cultures, the back of the book is recipe based. Any true lover of coffee should own this.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned some pretty cool things, but it’s definitely not a fun read

[Vincentjones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half of the book was about coffee related desert.

[Fitrah Aras]

I want to read anymore of coffee