Caffeine is the most widely consumed mind-altering molecule in the world; we cannot get enough of it, & drinking good coffee is our delivery system. How is it that coffee has such a hold? Its all in the chemistry; the molecular structure of caffeine & the flavour-making phenols & fats that can be lured out from the bean by roasting, grinding & brewing. Making good coffee depends on understanding the science: why water has to be at a certain temperature, what method works best with which grind, how roast affects taste, what happens when you add cream, & which bean you start out with. How to Make Coffee lays out the scientific principles for the coffee-loving non-scientist; stick to these & you will never drink an ordinary joe again.