Coffee was a major commodity and a precious consumer good in the 20th century. The anthology examines connections and contradictions along the global commodity chain from production to trade and consumption, focusing on indigenous harvest workers in Mexico, Costa Rican smallholders, importers in Hamburg, roasters, consumers and Fair Trade activists as historical actors. The countries dealt with in the contributions range from Central America through Hamburg and both German states to India, Ethiopia and Brazil. The international team of authors presents new research results on the economic, social and cultural history of coffee.

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