Since the seventeenth century, the cafe, or coffee house, in Europe has been the key gathering place of innovators and mavericks the writers, artists, philosophers and political figures who formed influential affiliations and gave birth to revolutionary movements that still affect our lives today. It was the type of establishment ideally suited for this role. Unlike the tavern, pub or bar, where ones senses grow ever duller from alcohol, one can sit for hours in a cafe with like-minded companions, consuming the coffee that sharpens wits and conversations. No wonder so many new ideas were generated in the legendary cafes of Paris and Vienna, Rome and Venice, Prague, Budapest and other major European cities. In her latest book, Monica Porter leads the reader on an entertaining waltz through six centuries, nine European countries (plus America) and a wealth of historic episodes featuring some of the most intriguing and noteworthy people who ever lived. As she reveals, playing its vital part in all their stories at times in the background, at times front and centre is that enticing venue: the cafe. The twelve venerable establishments of the books title the oldest dating from 1686, the newest from 1911 are all still in existence. And so, after learning about their fascinating historical associations, readers can experience these places for themselves, which makes the volume an ideal companion for history buffs, travellers and cafe-lovers alike.