Best book for espresso noobs

[rasqual]

My conversation with the person who wanted to get into espresso has gone as well as possible; she's not spending less for something inadequate -- she's saving her money. Cool.

But for someone who's chomping at the bit to get into it, I'm wondering whether there's a good book that will not only prepare her to be more literate about what to look for (and why) when buying, but also just to generally acquaint her with the range of issues in setting up shop in a home, with the process of actually making espresso and steaming milk and such, and also selecting coffee.

Just an all-around good book with good writing, broad scope, and great illustrations.

Anyone have a first and second pick for something like that? I'd like to recommend something to her.

[Tex]

I point folks towards the books written by Kenneth Davids; for espresso: http://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Ultimate-Coffee-Second-Edition/dp/0312246668

For more detailed info I recommend: http://nanotech.sc.mahidol.ac.th/i-sense/doc/Complexity_of_Coffee.pdf

[BoldJava]

I found Scott Rao's book to be helpful when I started to get the espresso itch and needed it scratched.

http://www.home-barista.com/professional-baristas-handbook.html or pdf
http://website.informer.com/terms/Scott_Rao_Barista_Handbook_Pdf
 
Might be a bit advanced for her but is easily approached -- found it well written.

[John F]

I think the best book is in the millions of words posted here, at HB, and in the old CG forums.

Simply set aside a couple years and start reading/posting.

[mp]

There are many here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=espresso

 

[BozemanEric]

+1 for The Professional Barista's Handbook. It is about $50 but very good.

[bekeld]

+2 for Kenneth David's & Scott Rao. HB was great when I bought my Andreja, Macap grinder, and had questions regarding operation.

Tell her to buy a Texified Gaggia. I make much better espresso on Andreja since I used the Tex machine and learned what should happen and what I need to look for. Tex took a lot of the frustration out of the process for me.