The Devil's Cup

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I loved this book - Rated
A great read, particularly in its sections on Africa (the place about which Stewart Lee Allen is most respectful and passionate) and its pivotal role in the history of coffee. Allen is entertaining, adventurous, fun-loving, and never takes himself too seriously. Although I disagree with his claim that a certain global coffee chain serves good coffee and although some sections work better than others - Allen seems to be running out of steam towards the end, as though his mission has exhausted even him - and although the editing of the text could be better at times... these are essentially small niggles in what is a five-star read. I learned a lot from this book, which made me want to drink even more coffee than I do already, and I would entirely agree with the chef and writer Anthony Bourdain that reading it is a "riveting" experience. Would make a lovely present for anyone who loves coffee.

Excellent read for fans of good travel literature and coffee - Rated
If you love coffee, then you will be interested in reading this funny, informative,entertaining book.

Stewart Lee Allen considers coffee to have played an essential part in human civilisation and progress.He calls it "Driving force" for human history.It may seem exagerated but he doesn`t merely stays by words. He takes a world journey to show how coffee has appeared in various societies and what was its impact on people. He will take you from Ethiopia through India,Turkey,England, France and finally, back to his home in Oklahoma, US.

The book is full with interesting information about coffee, its roasting and making, about rituals for drinking it, and at the same time it will amuse you with a lot of travel stories, misunderstandings and gaffs, unevitable in communication between different cultures.

A true addicts goldmine of caffeine-addled prose. - Rated
Mr Lee Allen's "The Devil's Cup" is as satisfying as the brew it celebrates. At once both intoxicating with heady drama and hi-jinx in pursuit of the holy grail of the 'mugga joe' and stimulating with a fascinating account of coffee's journey from Ethiopia to Adrien, Texas. Lee Allen's crusade (and I mean this in the religious sense) is testament to coffee's significance across cultures, time zones and history. From its use as a stimulant of spiritual fervour to its role in enlightening modern thought and philosophy , Lee Allen ensures that the next espresso to infiltrate my blood-brain barrier will be infused the meaning of its significance since time god knows when.