Espresso: Ultimate Coffee, Second Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author) "At the level at which we genuinely live life, every reader of this book will have a different definition of espresso..." (more)
Key Phrases: espresso cuisine, home pump machines, acidy notes, North American, United States, Espresso Break (more...)

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 -- Review

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

See all Editorial Reviews

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 (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #148,127 in Books (See Bestsellers 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)

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.

17 of 20 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.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Overall Decent Cup of Coffee, July 4, 2006

By	Captain Latte (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

I found this book to have some valuable information, especially in regards to historical background on origins of the espresso machine. I must say that it did seem to be a bit outdated at times. I know the last published date was 2001, however, it felt like most of it was from the original 1993 edition. I live in Seattle now so even comments made back in 2001 are already outdated. The organization of the book is a little awkward at first and you will find some redundancy in content throughout the book (in particular information about types of machines).

If you are looking for a book heavy in skills that will help to make you a better barista, whether profession or even skilled amateur at home, you will find some good tips in this book. However, I would instead highly recommend David Schomer's book Espresso Coffee: Professional Techniques, which is regarded by many as the barista bible.