Coffee - Philosophy for Everyone

A delightful book for philosophically minded coffee drinkers. Of course, philosophy is much older than coffee, but the cafe culture has been associated with philosophical discussions, especially in Paris. One is reminded the enormous influence of coffee houses in 18th-century London, with an estimated 2,000 establishments. Associated both with conversation and enterprise, they also played a role in encouraging less consumption of alcohol. The book ranges widely over topics in metaphysics, culture, aesthetics (the aroma) and ethics (for instance fair trade). Chapters like 'the unexamined cup is not worth drinking' or references to the grounds of being set the tone, but authors also feel free to mix the personal with the philosophical. An estimated 500 billion cups of coffee are drunk every year, with Americans leading the way at an average consumption of over 3 cups a day. Coffee culture has spread enormously over the last 25 years with the emergence of large chains and wireless Internet, and this would be a great book to be found in cafes to stimulate further discussion. Philosophically minded coffee drinkers will find the contents of their cup enhanced by the contents of the book.