Coffee Books
This is a list of coffee books I recommend, with a brief summary of what they discuss and how they can improve your coffee skills and knowledge. Not an exhaustive list by any means, but a great start.
Written by one of the coffee "untouchables", James Hoffman discusses varieties of coffee, roasting methods, brew methods, and origins of coffee in the amazing coffee table book. Cited as the perfect book for the "coffee nerd", this book is packed with information from harvest to cup and includes beautiful photography along the way. A must have.
For the well-rounded know it all
A history of coffee starting from it's discovery on a hill in ancient Abyssinia to the creation of Starbucks. This book does a deep dive into the disastrous "Coffee Crisis" that caused global prices to plummet to the rise of the Fair Trade movement and the "third-wave" of quality-obsessed coffee connoisseurs.
For the deep thinker
James Hoffman is back in this informative, beautiful, and must have book, with everything you need to know to make consistently excellent coffee at home, including: what equipment is worth buying, and what isn't; how to grind coffee; the basics of brewing for all major equipment (cafetiere, aeropress, stovetop etc); understanding coffee drinks, from the cortado to latte and the perfect espresso.
For the technician (Beginner friendly)
This is an excellent book for those who are just starting to get into brewing specialty coffee form home. The chapters are short, practical, and easily digestible. A great gift for the home coffee enthusiast that purchased their first espresso or at home brew machine.
For the focused beginner
Learning how to truly taste coffee is a driving force of brewing a better cup of coffee. It takes practice to discern the notes of sour, sweet, bitter, bright, nutty, roasty, and more. Having these skils is the key to dialing in the perfect espresso or cup of coffee. This book offers valuable insight to develop these skills for both the beginner and the seasoned enthusiast.
For the one who wants to really enjoy everything
Self explanatory. It never hurts to have a dictionary, and a dictionary specifically for coffee related lingo is a must have for any home coffee aficionado.
For everyone
My site, so I will shamelessly plug my book! Seriously though, I believe this is an excellent book for the beginner, but can still help the advanced enthusiast know where to explore further. I have simple guides on how to start brewing, and this builds into discussions on roast profiles, water chemistry, fluid dynamics, and more. It's inexpensive, give me a chance!
For the never satisfied enthusiast (new & old)
The Physics of Filter Coffee is a deep dive into the science behind coffee brewing. In the book, renowned astrophysicist Jonathan Gagné brings welcome scientific expertise to coffee making. Not only does the book contain numerous original ideas about coffee brewing, but Jonathan lays to rest many controversial ideas about coffee making.
For the never satisfied perfectionist
If you have moved on to roasting your own coffee, Rob Hoos is a staple in the roasting community. Rob states "Throughout my years of experimentation, I’ve discovered some commonalities in how changes in the roasting profile affect the flavor of the coffee In this handbook, I have pinpointed these aspects of the roast profile and detailed why they matter to development of flavor in the finished product.
For the control freak
For consciously minded
More Reading
Espresso Coffee: The Science of Quality - 1995 (Andrea Illy, ed.)
A research‑driven reference on espresso extraction, bean chemistry, machine calibration, and sensory quality—suited for professionals and academic readers.
Espresso Coffee: Professional Techniques - 1996 (David C. Schomer)
A detailed barista manual focused on dialing in espresso, shot timing, grind adjustment, and workflow in a commercial setting.
Pour Your Heart Into It - 1997 (Howard Schultz)
Starbucks founder Howard Schultz shares how Starbucks grew from a Seattle coffee shop into a global company with a strong brand ethos.
Uncommon Grounds - 1999 (Mark Pendergrast)
A sweeping history covering coffee’s origins, colonial trade, cultural influence, branding, and the rise of specialty coffee.
The Devil’s Cup - 1999 (Stewart Lee Allen)
Travel memoir/history exploring coffee’s role in global events—from African origin stories to European coffeehouse culture.
The Coffee Trader - 2003 (David Liss)
Historical fiction set in 17th‑century Amsterdam’s early global coffee trade.
Coffee: A Dark History - 2004 (Antony Wild)
An examination of coffee’s colonial impact, exploitation, economics, and role in shaping modern capitalism.
The Coffee House: A Cultural History - 2004 (Markman Ellis)
Explores coffeehouses as centers of social, political, and intellectual life through the centuries.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses - 2005 (Tom Standage)
Not exclusively coffee, but credits coffee alongside other beverages as pivotal to global societal development.
Onward - 2007 (Howard Schultz)
Schultz recounts Starbucks’ recovery post‑financial crisis while aiming to maintain the company's soul.
How Starbucks Saved My Life - 2007 (Michael Gates Gill)
A poignant memoir of personal reinvention as a Starbucks barista after corporate burnout.
Brewing Justice - 2007 (Daniel Jaffee)
Analytical study on fair trade coffee, sustainability, and socio-economic challenges in the coffee supply chain.
God in a Cup - 2008 (Michaele Weissman)
Profiles early specialty coffee roasters and narrates the human drive toward the perfect cup.
The Professional Barista’s Handbook - 2008 (Scott Rao)
Espresso theory and technique reference widely used by baristas and trainers.
Everything but Espresso - 2010 (Scott Rao)
Covers alternate brew methods (drip, pour-over, press) with deep dives into extraction, water chemistry, and bean freshness.
The Art and Craft of Coffee - 2010 (Kevin Sinnott)
Guides home brewers through sourcing, roasting, brewing, and sensory appreciation in accessible terms.
The Blue Bottle Craft of Coffee - 2012 (James & Caitlin Freeman & Tara Duggan)
From bean sourcing to brewing technique, plus food pairings and recipes from Blue Bottle’s craft standards.
A Good African Story: How a Small Company Built a Global Coffee Brand - 2013 (Andrew Rugasira)
Entrepreneurial journey of a Ugandan coffee company entering UK markets; highlights regional sourcing, African trade challenges, and impact on communities
Espresso Extraction: Measurement and Mastery - 2013 (Scott Rao)
Precision guide to achieving consistent espresso through measurement and process control.
Coffee Obsession - 2014 (DK Publishing / Anette Moldvaer)
Visual coffee bible with brewing techniques, gear guides, and projects for home stewards of coffee.
The Coffee Roaster’s Companion - 2014 (Scott Rao)
Industry handbook on roast profiling, heat management, development, and maintaining consistency.
The Curious Barista’s Guide to Coffee - 2015 (Tristan Stephenson)
Blend of practical brewing science, espresso technique, and coffee history tailored to curious enthusiasts.
How to Make Coffee - 2015 (Lani Kingston)
Scientific overview of grind, roast, water, and extraction in understandable language.
Real Fresh Coffee: How to Source, Roast, Grind and Brew the Perfect Cup - 2016 (Jeremy Torz & Steven Macatonia)
A practical guide by UK roastery founders; blends sourcing, roasting techniques, grind theory, brewing, and sustainability practices for consistent flavor
What I Know About Running Coffee Shops - 2017 (Colin Harmon)
Practical business playbook for café owners covering staffing, branding, inventory, and finances.
Where the Wild Coffee Grows - 2017 (Jeff Koehler)
Environmental and cultural narrative tracing coffee’s origin in Ethiopia and conservation efforts.
The Monk of Mokha - 2018 (Dave Eggers)
True story of a Yemeni-American reviving Yemeni coffee amid civil war, entrepreneurship and social justice.
Coffee: A Global History - 2019 (Jonathan Morris)
Concise cultural, culinary, and trade history from bean to café table.
Sensory Intermediate Book - 2019 (CoffeeMind, Ida Steen)
Structured manual on sensory evaluation methodology for coffee professionals and cuppers; covers biases, discriminative testing, and SCA cupping protocols
Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World - 2020 (Michael Pollan)
Examines caffeine's global influence across coffee, tea, soda, and workplace culture.
Coffee Roasting Best Practices - 2020 (Scott Rao)
Updated systematic guidance on roast machine calibration, sample roasting, and consistency protocols.
Coffeeland: One Man’s Dark Empire and the Making of Our Favorite Drug - 2020 (Augustine Sedgewick)
A political-economic history tracing 400 years of coffee’s evolution into a global commodity and work stimulant.
Sustainability in the Coffee Supply Chain: Tensions and Paradoxes - 2024 (Federica Pascucci)
Academic exploration of the social, environmental, and economic contradictions inherent in global coffee supply chains; analyzes how sustainability goals interact and conflict
The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Roasting - 2024 (William Killebrew)
Comprehensive roast manual that covers roast chemistry, troubleshooting, origins, cupping, and sustainable methods.