Coffee Makers: Macchine da Caffe is an epic 776-page encyclopedia by Enrico Maltoni and Mauro Carli that details the history of coffeemakers from the 16th century to the present day.
The book features gorgeous illustrations of old-school floral ceramic and embossed brass contraptions that churned out coffee long before modern machines came along.
Spurred by a desire to find out how coffeemakers have evolved over time, Maltoni traveled around the world photographing the personal collections of coffee collectors. The book represents two years of research, spanning 400 years of history, 2,700 images, 2,080 technical descriptions, 220 advertising posters, and 60 technical drawings.
The book takes readers on a journey through the evolution of coffee machine design, from glass beakers that resemble chemistry sets and locomotive-shaped machines from 1860, to a traditional Ethiopian Jebena and a spherical terracotta pot.
Coffee Makers: Macchine da Caffe is a loving tribute to an object that many of us take for granted and rely on for our morning cuppa.
Learn more about the fascinating history of the coffeemaker here and purchase the book here.
[via Fast Company, images via Coffee Makers]