9This book is the story of a journey - the voyage of the humble coffee bean through time, space and form. Your journey begins with dancing goats in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. It quickly moves on to religious conflict in the port of Mocca, which at one time was the world's only source of coffee. Western countries soon enter the scene, spreading precious coffee plants throughout their colonies, first to Java and Ceylon, then to the Caribbean, Africa and Central America. It is a tale of romance and intrigue, but one with an underbelly of suffering and exploitation whose dark history still shapes the world today. The second stage of our journey begins in the coffee plantations and ends in your local coffee shop. On the way, the author introduces you to the people - the growers, millers, merchants, roasters, and retailers - who make this miraculous journey possible. They will share with you their love of the world's favourite drink. They will explain how our little bean changes in form, from bright red coffee cherries to light green beans, and then to dark brown, aromatic roasted coffee. They will also tell you how they are changing the business of coffee for the better, taking it from darkness to light. It is a fascinating story.If you are already in the coffee business, this book will widen your knowledge. If you are looking to learn more about the coffee business, this book will be your 'go-to' source. And if you just enjoy coffee, this book will add a new dimension to your daily 'cuppa'.