Espresso: Ultimate Coffee, Second Edition [Paperback]

Kenneth Davids (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 4, 2001

The popularity of espresso, coffee at its purest and most intense, has grown exponentially in the past decade. In this revised edition of his book on the ultimate coffee, Kenneth Davids provides a lucid, engaging examination of espresso's lore, legend, and culture. A finalist for the James Beard Award upon its original publication. Espresso is the perfect introduction to the world of specialty coffee.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kenneth Davids writes with authority and panache. There's no one I'd rather read and learn from. He'll turn your kitchen into the espresso bar of your dreams-and the more aspiring baristas who read this book, the safer the country will be for the new world of lattes sweeping the nation." --Corby Kummer, The Atlantic Monthly

"Kenneth Davids's new book blends the myths and history with the technology and culture that create this nouveau art form we call 'espresso.' It's the perfect companion while enjoying the pleasures of this magnificent beverage." --Ted R. Lingle, director of the Speciality Coffee Association

About the Author

Kenneth Davids is the author of two other books about coffee, Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing, and Enjoying and Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival. He teaches writing and history at the California College of Arts and Crafts and writes a number of coffee industry publications and Web sites. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 2nd edition (May 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312246668
• ISBN-13: 978-0312246662
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #857,902 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good information on espresso, May 16, 2002

By 

John O. Morton "'St.' John Morton" (Aptos, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Espresso: Ultimate Coffee, Second Edition (Paperback)

Kenneth Davids writes a lot of information on history and the art of making espresso coffee. The only thing that really bothered me was his method of writing. At times it was very clear, then it dropped off when it became more interesting, almost like "running out of room." The section on machines and equipment was fairly good, but it didn't give more details on each type of machine.

The source section was very limited on where to buy machines or coffee. Could have been better at rating coffee and machines.
The book was a little hard to read with very small type, and the monotone brown color of the illustrations.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great historical, cultural and sensual review of the brew., November 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Espresso: Ultimate Coffee (101 Production Series) (Paperback)

Kenneth Davids has written an excellent book about the history of coffee and espresso and its development into a western cultural phenomenon. He describes all phases of coffee and espresso production and refinement from cultivation to recipes for use. An excellent read for a beginner or coffee guru.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Espresso: Ultimate Coffee, August 7, 2001

By 

Ken Slanker (Birmingham, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Espresso: Ultimate Coffee, Second Edition (Paperback)

Pretty much tells history of coffee. Provides in depth information on how to buy Espresso blends (various characteristics). Also explains the history of how Espresso was developed along with the machines that make it the joy it is. The author has a subtle humor which makes the book fun to read while teaching you about Coffee.