The cup of coffee had its origins in urban Islamic coffeehouses of the 15th and 16th centuries. Drawing on the accounts of early European travelers and original Arabic sources, Hattox recounts the colorful early history of the spread of coffee and its influence in the medieval Near East, including detailed descriptions of the design, atmosphere, management, and patrons of early coffeehouses. "Coffee and its 'house' became a noticeable and long-lasting fixture in Muslim society and arguably a historical force to be reckoned with.... How it all began can be learned from this short book, which is written with great care and full, reliable documentation". -- American Historical Review