Coffee: A Poem

The popularity of coffee drinking in Europe began in the late 17th century, thanks to the Turkish Ambassador's visit to Louis XIV's court in 1669. A Frenchman, LAbbé Guillaume Massieu, wrote a Latin poem praising its health benefits and origins in 1674.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 56 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2019
Publisher: Arc Publications

Coffee drinking has been an integral part of everyday life for centuries, but it wasn't until the late 17th century that it gained widespread popularity in Europe. The visit of the Turkish Ambassador to Louis XIV's court in 1669 played a significant role in making coffee-drinking fashionable in France. It is no surprise, then, that a Frenchman, LAbbé Guillaume Massieu, a priest turned teacher, chose to extol the delights and health-giving properties of coffee in a long poem written in Latin, a popular language for verse throughout Europe until well into the 18th century. Massieu's account, translated masterfully by John T. Gilmore, is witty yet instructive, providing a fascinating insight into the origins, properties, and preparation of the perfect cup of coffee.

Coffee has a rich and intriguing history, dating back to ancient times. Its origins can be traced to the regions of Ethiopia and Sudan, where it was first cultivated and consumed. According to legend, coffee was discovered by a shepherd named Kaldi, who noticed that his flock of goats became energized after consuming the berries of a wild coffee plant. Kaldi shared his discovery with the local monastery, and coffee quickly spread throughout the region.

Over the centuries, coffee became a popular beverage in the Middle East and North Africa. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century by traders and explorers, who brought back coffee beans from their travels. The first coffeehouse in Europe was opened in Venice in 1655, and it quickly gained popularity among the upper classes. However, coffee drinking was not widely accepted by the general public until the late 17th century.

The visit of the Turkish Ambassador to Louis XIV's court in 1669 played a crucial role in making coffee-drinking fashionable in France. The ambassador brought with him a gift of coffee beans, which were roasted and brewed in the court. The French were impressed by the aroma and taste of the coffee, and it quickly became a staple of French cuisine.

LAbbé Guillaume Massieu, a priest turned teacher, was a prominent figure in the promotion of coffee drinking in France. In his poem "De la dureté du café," published in 1676, Massieu praised the health benefits of coffee and its ability to invigorate the mind and body. He also provided instructions on how to make the perfect cup of coffee, including the use of fresh, high-quality beans and the proper brewing techniques.

Massieu's poem was widely read and admired, and it helped to spread the popularity of coffee drinking throughout Europe. The French were particularly fond of coffee, and it became a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Coffeehouses began to spring up in cities across Europe, and coffee became a staple of social gatherings and intellectual discourse.

In addition to its health benefits, coffee also became associated with cultural and social movements. The coffeehouse became a place where people could gather to discuss politics, literature, and art. It was a hub of intellectual activity and a place where new ideas were born. Coffee also played a role in the spread of knowledge and ideas, as it was a medium through which people could exchange information and learn about new cultures.

Despite its popularity, coffee drinking has faced its share of challenges and controversies. In the 18th century, coffee became associated with the opium trade, as coffee beans were used as a currency in the trade. This led to the cultivation of coffee in regions where it was not native, and it contributed to the environmental degradation of those regions.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable coffee farming and fair trade practices. Coffee producers are working to ensure that their crops are grown in a way that is environmentally friendly and that they are paid fairly for their labor. This has led to a more sustainable and equitable coffee industry, which benefits both producers and consumers.

In conclusion, coffee drinking has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century by traders and explorers, and it quickly gained popularity among the upper classes. LAbbé Guillaume Massieu's poem "De la dureté du café" helped to promote coffee drinking in France, and it played a significant role in spreading the popularity of coffee throughout Europe. Coffee has become a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and cultural and social movements, and it has played a role in the spread of knowledge and ideas. Despite its challenges and controversies, coffee remains a beloved beverage that is enjoyed by people around the world.

Weight: 84g
Dimension: 137 x 215 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910345795