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Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World Paperback – Illustrated, July 9, 2019

by Mark Pendergrast (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 611 ratings
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The definitive history of the world's most popular drug

Uncommon Grounds tells the story of coffee from its discovery on a hill in ancient Abyssinia to the advent of Starbucks. Mark Pendergrast reviews the dramatic changes in coffee culture over the past decade, from 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. As the scope of coffee culture continues to expand, Uncommon Grounds remains more than ever a brilliantly entertaining guide to the currents of one of the world's favorite beverages.
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  1. Print length
    480 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Basic Books
  4. Publication date
    July 9, 2019
  5. Grade level
    8 and up
  6. Reading age
    13 years and up
  7. Dimensions
    6 x 1.55 x 9 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    1541699386
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1541699380
  10. Lexile measure
    1280L
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"With wit and humor, Pendergrast has served up a rich blend of anecdote, character study, market analysis, and social history....Everything you ought to know about coffee is here, even how to make it."―New York Times

"A focused and juicy history of our last legal and socially acceptable drug."―Wall Street Journal

"Pendergrast's account satisfies because of its thoroughness....Pendergrast unearths coffee-based trade wars, health reports, and café cultures, bringing to light amusing treasures along the way."―Mother Jones

"Ask anyone in the coffee world and they will cite this book as a favorite...[I]t gives a comprehensive understanding to the history and complexities of your favorite drink."―The Kitchn

"Pendergrast...has produced a splendid tale, setting out all one could hope to know about coffee."―Scientific American

"Pendergrast's broad vision, meticulous research, and colloquial delivery combine aromatically."―Publishers Weekly

"Uncommon Grounds is not only a good read but a vital one."―Washington Monthly

"An exhaustive, admirably ambitious examination of coffee's global impact, from its roots in 15th-century Ethiopia to its critical role in shaping the nations of Central and Latin America....Should be read by anyone curious about what goes into their daily cup of Java"―Kirkus

"Pendergrast's sprightly, yet thoroughly scholarly, history of America's favorite hot beverage packs the pleasurable punch of a double espresso."―Booklist

About the Author

Mark Pendergrast is an independent scholar who brews a fantastic cup of coffee. He is the author of many books, including For God, Country and Coca-Cola. He lives in Vermont

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books; New edition (July 9, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541699386
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541699380
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1280L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.55 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 611 ratings

About the author

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Mark Pendergrast

Mark Pendergrast

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I am an independent scholar and science writer, the author of many books of critically acclaimed non-fiction, plus several children's books. Please check out my books by entering my name at Amazon. They include, among others, CITY ON THE VERGE, a book about my native Atlanta; THE MOST HATED MAN IN AMERICA, arguing that Jerry Sandusky is probably innocent; MEMORY WARP, about the myth of repressed memory; JAPAN'S TIPPING POINT, about Japan's renewable energy policy; INSIDE THE OUTBREAKS, a history of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service; UNCOMMON GROUNDS, the history of coffee; FOR GOD, COUNTRY AND COCA-COLA, the history of the soft drink, MIRROR MIRROR, a history of mirrors, and others. One critic called me "the ultimate freelance journalist with an eclectic mind." I suppose he meant that I write about whatever interests me. I prefer to call myself an independent scholar, since my books are heavily researched. I joke that I should have earned an honorary Ph.D for each of them in their respective subjects. What my books all have in common is that they cover subjects that matter. In my small way, I hope to make the world a somewhat saner, safer place. I'm not sure if my children's book, JACK AND THE BEAN SOUP, will make the world a better place, but I hope it makes it a bit more humorous. The book is a fractured fairytale -- basically, an elaborate fart joke, though it does explain how evil came to the earth and the origin of thunder! SILLY SADIE is another fractured frog-prince story, and THE GODFOOL is a philosophical children's book. I live in Vermont with my wife and dog, and I like to hear from readers. For more information on my books, see www.markpendergrast.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
611 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides an in-depth history of coffee with extensive research, making it a good introduction to the subject. Moreover, the book is well-written and customers appreciate its appearance, with one mentioning full-color hand-drawn pictures. However, the narrative quality receives mixed feedback, with one customer finding it not compelling. Additionally, the physical condition of the book is good.

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58 customers mention "Information quality"54 positive4 negative

Customers praise the book's in-depth history of coffee, noting its extensive research and insightful content, making it a good general introduction to the subject.

"...The book's size and amount of information are almost overwhelming, and yet the author's clear, reader-friendly, nearly conversational writing style..." Read more

"...I have gained so much even just in the first few chapters. It’s super informative to hear about how large a role coffee has played in world history,..." Read more

"...1st EDITION This is an excellent history, but needs a 2nd edition. A lot has happened in the last 10 years...." Read more

"Im really enjoying the historical approach of Uncommon Grounds, which is less recounting the developments around coffee as it is a good discussion..." Read more

55 customers mention "Readability"48 positive7 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging, particularly noting it's a great read for coffee enthusiasts.

"...information are almost overwhelming, and yet the author's clear, reader-friendly, nearly conversational writing style make it as much a "page-turner..." Read more

"...as critical as a scholarly publication might, but it is definitely a fun read...." Read more

"...covering the coffee world from harvest to cup, and it is in an easy to read format...." Read more

"...It's also easy to read." Read more

7 customers mention "Sturdiness"7 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the book's sturdiness, noting that it arrived in good condition.

"...It showed up on time and in good condition. Cant wait for Christmas morning to see his face when he opens the box and see Uncommon Grounds...." Read more

"...The seller said the book was "used." But the condition was so good, I thought the book was new. Efficient, prompt delivery. Very happy...." Read more

"Arrived on time in good condition." Read more

"Good quality, good price, as expected!" Read more

5 customers mention "Look"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's appearance, with one mentioning its full-color hand-drawn pictures.

"...; on the web and read the entire book, with all the full color hand drawn pictures, absolutely free of charge! Do it! You won't regret it!" Read more

"...This book is a piece of beauty as gives a tremendous parallel in between thes tory and the history of the world since coffee invention." Read more

"This was an interesting and in depth look at this very common drink. A worthwhile read if this is a part of your daily life." Read more

"Arrived in great shape and looked like new. I love the story of Coffee and plan to buy a farm in 2014!" Read more

7 customers mention "Narrative quality"0 positive7 negative

Customers find the narrative quality of the book unsatisfactory, with one customer describing it as depressing at times and another noting it's not light reading.

"...I remember the commercials very well. Be warned, the book is depressing @ times..." Read more

"...(surprisingly not many coffee books out there), although sometimes a little drab...." Read more

"...conversational tone is mono; it reads more like a textbook, not light reading at all. That's why I took off 2 stars." Read more

"...It skips around, and has no sort of central narrative. Not really worth it...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Jim M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, readable, yet scholarly & encyclopedic.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book for my own information -- I've been a black coffee drinker for c. 60 years, and a real coffee aficionado for the past 15 years or so. The book's size and amount of information are almost overwhelming, and yet the author's clear, reader-friendly, nearly conversational writing style make it as much a "page-turner" as a good mystery novel. He covers the history, geography, economics, and complex sociology & politics of all aspects of this world-wide industry so completely as to make this work a textbook, nay, a one-volume college course. From Asia, Africa, and the Americas, to Starbuck's, Folgers, Maxwell House and everything in the U.S., it's all here. HIGHLY recommended!!
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Erinn Soltys
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly fascinating
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I’m only within the first few chapters so will update my review as needed. I’m typically not big on history, but apparently I love it when it comes to things I’m passionate about! I have gained so much even just in the first few chapters. It’s super informative to hear about how large a role coffee has played in world history, for the past few hundred years especially (for better or for worse), but I also walk away remembering the coolest and/or funniest facts that reveal coffee’s infiltration into almost all sectors... like how the very serious J.S. Bach wrote a hilarious cantata all about coffee! I am eating this up!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • AL
    4.0 out of 5 stars DON'T THROW AWAY THE 1st EDITION
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    The 4 star rating is the average between the 2 editions. The 1st rates a 5*, the
    2nd only a 3. I have left the review on the 1st edition & have added comments @ the
    bottom of the review.

    1st EDITION

    This is an excellent history, but needs a 2nd edition. A lot has happened in the
    last 10 years. For instance in 2009, coffee made news as Starbucks had to close some
    of its shops because of the recession. Also it's now easier to find organic & Fair
    Trade coffee. Vietnam is now one of the top producers of Robusta beans. I wish he
    would have dealt a little more with coffee ads which were a major part of coffee's
    history during the 20th century. I didn't start drinking coffee until recently, but
    I never forgot the Maxwell House percolator tune, Mrs. Olsen, Juan Valdez, or the
    "IF I DON'T GET AMERICAN ACE COFFEE, I'M GOING BACK TO BED" commercials. Juan
    Valdez' influence is still felt today. Go to any grocery store & you will see 100%
    COLOMBIAN coffee. By the way, the man in the A.Ace. firing squad commercial in
    Mexico was one of Elvis Presley's back up singers. Since I was once addicted to TV,
    I remember the commercials very well. Be warned, the book is depressing @ times
    (when you read abt the coffee farmers or the civil wars & bloodbaths in the coffee
    producing nations), but to anyone who is interested in a detailed discussion of
    coffee history, this is the book to read. I hope that the author will update it.

    2nd EDITION

    I was looking forward to this one, but can only give it mixed reviews. The preface
    is OK & the revised chapter FINAL GROUNDS where he updated the history is excellent.
    The reason I gave the 2nd ed. only 3 stars is that he chopped out quite a bit of the
    material from the 1st ed. to make the book shorter. He even edited out the Kona
    scandal. I would have preferred that he had just left the book intact (changing only
    what was found to be incorrect), then adding the new prefix & the update-chapter at
    the end. As it is the reader that who has only the 2nd ed. loses a lot of material
    from the 1st. So if one has the 1st ed, don't throw it away. I will leave it to the
    reader as to if 2 new chapters are worth the price of the book.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • S. Goldstein
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Im really enjoying the historical approach of Uncommon Grounds, which is less recounting the developments around coffee as it is a good discussion of how coffee influenced the growth of social and political institutions around the world. As a popular lit book it obviously doesnt get as critical as a scholarly publication might, but it is definitely a fun read.

    My only complaint is that it breezes through the origins and domestication of coffee, but to be fair there very little data out there on that topic. Of all the "history of [esoteric item]" books out there right now, this is definitely one of the better and more interesting ones.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • grinndel98
    3.0 out of 5 stars Decent book about coffee, but there is a better one available for free!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    If you are a new coffee fanatic, and are in to roasting your own coffee and wanting to learn all you can about coffee, go ahead and purchase this book, Pendergrast does a pretty good job of covering the coffee world from harvest to cup, and it is in an easy to read format. But I must say, I felt it was basically a "Cliff Note" of the all encompassing "Coffee Bible" that William H. Uker wrote almost a hundred years ago. Ukers book is titled "All About Coffee", and is the acknowledged complete work of every aspect of the coffee world. You can sometimes find the out of print book on Ebay, but it is usually over $150 for a worn out copy! I found that you can go to "Project Gutenberg" on the web and read the entire book, with all the full color hand drawn pictures, absolutely free of charge! Do it! You won't regret it!
    118 people found this helpful
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  • Lawrence Maturo
    5.0 out of 5 stars All You Ever Wanted To Know About Coffee, and More
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I love coffee, so I was very interested in it's history. This book is full of surprising things about the history of coffee that I hadn't heard before, and wouldn't have expected. If you are a coffee lover, you owe it to yourself to read the history of coffee, and there couldn't be a better book than this one on the subject.

    Rather than being a dry history book, it's gives you the context of the events surrounding coffee's history, and the social impact it's had, both positive and negative. It's also easy to read.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • KMG365
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I ordered this as a gift for my son and he has really enjoyed it. He shared a few excerpts from it as we were sitting around and I found it interesting as well.
    One person found this helpful
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  • nystreets
    5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best historical book written about coffee as the author somehow ...
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Probably the best historical book written about coffee as the author somehow made a factual compilation an easy read. The first half of the book was particularly entertaining. This book remains in my small library and I have used it as a reference several times. I have also purchased a few copies as gifts for friends.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • djvw
    5.0 out of 5 stars Coffee!! Yes!!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If anyone has an interest in the history of coffee...this is the book to read!
    A lot to read, but if your interest is there...you won't put the book down.
    Of course...while drinking a coffee!
    Report
  • Mauricio S Jardini
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book about the history of coffee around the world. Being a Brazilian I can assure you that I learned more about my country history with coffee than anywhere else
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Being a Brazilian I can assure you that I learned more about my country history with coffee than anywhere else. I rightly recommend this book.
    Report
  • sideshowbob
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Modern Bible of Coffee History...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    My first coffee book.. And it is an astonishing read... You would not believe the level of detail and effort put on this single 480 page book.. A must for coffee lovers.. As a barista in a major coffee chain here in the UK I must say that the level of knowledge I have acquired from this single book surpasses by light years the one provided to us by the company. Is it worth the £12.59? YES! will be reading this again and again for years to come...
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Coffee Book
    Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I first read this book as a young teenaged coffee enthusiast who had just begun to discover that coffee is actually so much more than the Gevalia subscription my father bought me for Christmas. I always knew I wanted to add this book to my library, and I'm so glad I did! Once again, I was thrilled by the storied history of coffee, and how it has shaped governments, economies, and cultures all around the world. If you are looking for a comprehensive look at coffee, and the industry as a whole, this is the book for you; if you are a lover of history, this is the book for you; if you just want to know what the big deal is with coffee, this is the book for you. In my mind, this is pretty much the coffee bible.
    Report
  • Morag
    5.0 out of 5 stars Birthday gift
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Recipient seemed pleased with the book, plenty of information about the new hobby and was looking forward to trying out allt he different coffees from around the world.
    Report