Coffee: A Dark History

Antony Wild, a coffee trader and historian, presents a comprehensive account of the global coffee industry. He traces the commodity’s origins to fifteenth-century East Africa, where it functioned as a stimulant for religious devotion. The narrative follows its evolution into an imperial good, highlighting the stark divide between poor tropical producers and wealthy temperate consumers. Wild examines how coffee fueled the rise of capitalism and its institutions. He details how revolutions were hatched in coffeehouses, commercial alliances forged, and secret societies formed through these gatherings. The book bridges the gap between this colonial past and the current corporate landscape. It addresses the modern crisis in producing nations, where low prices have led to unemployment, abandoned farms, and social disruption. This work suits readers interested in economic history and the political implications of daily consumption. It may not appeal to those seeking practical brewing techniques or simple recipes. Wild uses his professional background to reveal the exploitation inherent in the trade. The text concludes by outlining the perilous present state of coffee-producing countries, leaving the reader with a clear view of the industry's complex legacy.