The Coffee House: A Cultural History [Paperback]

Markman Ellis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

When the first coffeehouse opened in London in 1652, customers were bewildered by this strange new drink from Turkey—hot, bitter, and black as soot. But those who tried coffee were soon won over, and more coffee-houses were opened across London, America, and Europe. For a hundred years the coffeehouse occupied the center of urban life, creating a distinctive social culture. They played a key role in the explosion of political, financial, scientific, and literary change in the 18th century, as people gathered, discussed, and debated issues within their walls.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Markman Ellis's fascinating and wide-ranging cultural history explores the evolution of the a phenomenon that started in Constantinople in 1554 and soon took the world by storm.' THE INDEPENDENT '[In] this wonderful book... Ellis percolates a comforting cup of inspiration for the future.' GOOD BOOK GUIDE '[a] scholarly but always readable account' DAILY MAIL 'Markman Ellis has written a scholarly, well researched and thoroughly entertaining book. This is a hot, bubbling volume to be sipped and savoured.' SUNDAY MERCURY 'Detailed and meticulously researched... would interest anyone with an enthusiasm for social history.' NEW BOOKS (May/June 06)

About the Author

Markman Ellis was educated at the universities of Auckland and Cambridge, and now teaches 18th-century literature and culture at Queen Mary, University of London. He has published books on the sentimental novel and gothic fiction, and articles on many topics in 18th-century studies, including georgic poetry, slavery, kangaroos and lap-dogs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753818981
• ISBN-13: 978-0753818985
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,731,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A scholarly review of coffee through history, January 26, 2009

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Coffee House: A Cultural History (Hardcover)

Ellis's book was the first in a now frothy wave of books on the current phenomenom of coffee houses sweeping the globe. Its a good read - full of factual information, but with touches of sardonic wit and a great ability to generate memorial lines that succinctly sum up the period. Fantastic info on historical relevance to the fight against the political ruling class in Britain in the 18th century. Well-brewed, without a hogoe of sirreverence...