Uncommon grounds

By Mark Pendergrast

Subjects: Histoire, History, Coffee industry, Koffie, Industrie et commerce, Kaffee, Café, Geschichte, Coffee, Commerce

Description: Coffee has been banned as a creator of revolutionary sedition, vilified as the worst health-destroyer on earth and praised as the boon of mankind. Its history provides a window through which to view broader themes of colonialism and culture clash, the rise of mass production, modern-day media and marketing, women's issues and international commodity schemes. It also illustrates how an entire industry can lose focus, allowing upstart micro-roasters to reclaim quality and profits. Mark Pendergrast enlivens his scrupulously researched history with anecdotes, eccentric characters and period commentary that will give readers stories to share -- over good cups of coffee -- for years to come. - Jacket.