This is a short, entertaining and 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 that is enjoyed around the world. 'The Philosophy of Coffee' is the perfect gift for coffee lovers everywhere and includes chapters on the rise of the coffeehouse, legal bans on coffee, Brazil's domination of the world coffee trade and the birth of the espresso. It also discusses variations in taste and brewing techniques, while maintaining the accessible and entertaining tone that runs throughout.