The Book of Coffee: A Philosophy - by James Hoffmann & Julian Baggini (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A collaboration between philosopher Julian Baggini and internationally celebrated coffee expert, James Hoffmann, this is the perfect gift book for the curious coffee lover.

Philosopher Julian Baggini and coffee expert James Hoffmann team up In this beguiling deep dive into the world's favorite hot drink, coffee.

Julian Baginni has long been fascinated by the philosophical underpinnings of how we eat and drink, and a chance encounter with an old, battered copy of The Book of Tea by Kakuza Okakura led him on a journey to explore our relationship with coffee. Coffee is the ritual that begins and gets us through the day, whether chugged thoughtlessly on the long drive home, or artfully and ritualistically brewed as a moment of morning meditation. Coffee not only fuels us but has shaped the very fabric of modern life. Our cup of coffee allows for a moment of deeper connection, both with oneself and others, through attentive preparation and consumption. A moment to embrace life's absurdity with joy and alertness.

This little book on coffee is something ultimately enriching and life affirming, an elevation of the everyday and a pleasure to read, creating a treatise on how we can infuse the seemingly mundane with moments of mindful attention and meaning. It will appeal not only to coffee lovers but to anyone intrigued by the intersections of culture, philosophy, and everyday life. In tracing the deep roots of coffee in our imagination, The Book of Coffee reveals why this humble drink remains a profound and lasting symbol of life itself.

About the Author

James Hoffmann (Author)
James Hoffmann is the co-founder of Square Mile Coffee Roasters, a multi-award-winning coffee roasting company based in East London. He is also the World Barista Champion 2007, having won the UK Barista competition in both 2006 and 2007. He has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers, where he makes videos about anything and everything to do with coffee and an instagram following of more than 700k. He is the author of The World Atlas of Coffee (first edition 2014, second edition 2018, third edition 2025) and the Sunday Times bestseller How to Make the Best Coffee at Home (2022).

Julian Baggini (Author)
Julian Baggini is a philosopher, writer and journalist whose work encompasses a wide range of interests and styles. Julian was awarded a Ph.D. from University College London for his thesis on the philosophy of personal identity in 1996. He then went on to found The Philosophers' Magazine with Jeremy Stangroom, supporting himself with a portfolio of jobs that included teaching and, increasingly, journalism and writing. Julian writes articles for The Guardian, BBC News Online, Prospect, Times Educational Supplement, the Observer and New Humanist, among others. He makes regular appearances on national radio and television. Julian has published numerous well received books about philosophy and its intersection with other spheres. Julian's most recent book, How the World Eats, was published in October 2024 by Granta.