The World Atlas of Coffee: 2nd edition (old edition)

I’ve been interested in making good coffee at home for years but have always had a number of knowledge gaps about the coffee itself -mainly around interpreting the information about the beans I’m buying, but I’ve often also wondered about the systems by which those beans get from the plant to my letterbox, and how geography impacts taste.This book does a wonderful job of informing the reader on these matters and much more. I was already familar with the author’s style through YouTube, which I like because he imparts considerable knowledge in an unpretentious and seemingly honest manner. I particularly like that he seems to say what he really thinks about his subject matter. He also lacks the snobbery which could so easily accompany that knowledge and experience - often acknowledging that personal preference around taste trumps coffee knowledge.That engaging approach runs throughout this book and the author’s ‘voice’ and style are very apparent -making the sometimes technical content very accessible. There is just the right amount of details to inform in a stimulating way without making the subject matter boring.The photography and illustrations are stunning and bring the text to life. The book is beautifully bound in cloth reminiscent of jute coffee sack.In my opinion the book was very fairly priced (for me as the buyer) and had I realised just how much I would enjoy it and how precisely it would fit my needs I’d actually have been willing to pay more.

So full of information but presented in an enjoyable manner. This book is an absolute necessity for someone interested in coffee.

I really like this book. First impressions are that it looks brilliant, the pictures are great, and the cover is tactile (meant to feel like a coffee sack). In terms of the contents I think it's brilliant. It's easy to read, explains terms clearly and is very interesting. The photography is brilliant. The book talks about the origins of coffee, to process of production, different fruits locations and brew methods. All along the way the impact upon taste is commented upon. I would highly recommend this book for personal use or as a gift.

It's a beautiful book. The colors, the pictures... Just looking at it is very pleasant. It's also very informative and easy to read.

I like coffee and wanted to know a bit more about what I was actually drinking. Its quite educational about the origins of popular coffee and educated me that basically there are two species of coffee with hundreds of sub species. It gives a broad outline of where everything started, the couple of types of coffee that started it all then it goes into specific regions, areas, farms around the coffee producing world which was like a reference book for coffee aficionados. I'm not a coffee connoisseur so I skip read that. Overall a very interesting book and educational. For me there was a lot of superfluous information that I didn't need because I'm not a barista but it gave me a greater knowledge of what I was actually drinking. A bit like a wine tasting afternoon for coffee. You might never taste a fraction of what you're reading about but at least you know what you're looking at and won't get fooled or overwhelmed by marketing hype from coffee sellers

A beautiful book. 10 out 10 for the content and the way it is presented throughout the book.

Beautifully presented. Very comprehensive. Very informative.

The author knows what he likes about coffee. This is a useful and well-written overview of what you need to know about buying and making coffee, well illustrated, and very much focused on quality Arabica beans - what makes them special, how and where they are grown, the effect of roasting and the flavours to look out for. Surprisingly readable!