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 Uncommon Grounds The History Of Coffee And How It Transformed Our Worldby Mark PendergrastApr 21, 2000
DescriptionUncommon Grounds tells the story of coffee from its discovery on a hill in Abyssinia to its role in intrigue in the American colonies to its rise as a national consumer product in the twentieth century and its rediscovery with the advent of Starbucks at the end of the century. A panoramic epic, Uncommon Grounds uses coffee production, trade, and consumption as a window through which to view broad historical themes: the clash and blending of cultures, the rise of marketing and the “national brand,” assembly line mass production, and urbanization. Coffeehouses have provided places to plan revolutions, write poetry, do business, and meet friends. The coffee industry has dominated and molded the economy, politics, and social structure of entire countries. Mark Pendergrast introduces the reader to an eccentric cast of characters, all of them with a passion for the golden bean. Uncommon Grounds is nothing less than a coffee-flavored history of the world. Reviews"The wide-ranging, animated account charges through coffee's history." "Uncommon Grounds is a focused and juicy history of our last legal and socially acceptable drug." "Pendergrast's account satisfies because of its thoroughness. He lets complex issues — coffee's role in economic development, labor exploitation, and environmental degradation — remain complex as he explores the intricate relationships among farmers, governments, corporations, and consumers."
"Pendergrast has served up a rich blend of anecdote, character study, market analysis, and social history…everything you ought to know about coffee is here."
"Pendergrast's broad vision, meticulous research, and colloquial delivery combine aromatically…"
"A focused and juicy history of our last legal and socially acceptable drug."
"This wide-ranging book is a good read for those curious about the history and context behind that morning cup of coffee, as well as for those strictly interested in the business side of the industry." "Should be read by anyone curious about what goes into their daily cup of Java …" “Brew a pot of Joe (or two) and dive into Mark Pendergrast’s entertaining treatment of the little bean that has jump-started nervous systems from Ethiopia to Seattle. Coffee’s history is filled with stories of intrigue, paradox, and insights into human nature.” “Riveting! So much history, so many deals, such geographical scope, complete with back-stabbing entrepreneurs, dictators, slaves, cartels, campesinos, roasters big and small, and savvy marketers. Who knew that coffee and its purveyors could be so fascinating?” “Uncommon Grounds brings together in one comprehensive volume a wealth of interesting and entertaining stories related to coffee and the coffee business. Whether he's discussing the advantages and disadvantages of Starbucks' virtual monopoly on creating the American cafe experience or the use of low-paid workers on Central American coffee plantations, Mark Pendergrast avoids cliches and penetrates below the surface to explain the true dynamics of his subject. A valuable reference work for those involved in the coffee industry and an interesting read for those coffee lovers who want to know more about their favorite beverage.” "Uncommon Grounds is the most comprehensive book on the subject since William Ukers wrote All About Coffee in the 1920s. Pendergrast carries us from coffee’s African origins through the modern explosion of production and craving, objectively chronicling the trajectory of a taste that generated world history, both good and bad." Selling TerritoryWorld Excluding UK & Commonwealth |
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