The connections between coffee houses and print culture are interesting to me as they can obvious or more subtle. In The Social life of Coffee: The Emergence of the British Coffee House the connection between the two is described in several different ways. The primary thing that appears to be happening in the coffee houses is bringing men from different social status and backgrounds together and discussing all kinds of news and topics (The Social life of Coffee, 99). More conversational than reading, however, it is typically things that men have read that is leading into discussion and learning about various topics. At times, books may be sold at the Coffee houses as well, which is another connection to print culture (Social life of Coffee, 101). A lot of education is happening at coffee houses as well which is another indication that there are books involved or at least one may be able to acquire books by signing up for classes or learning which ones to read and where to purchase them (Social life of Coffee, 99).
Works cited:
Cowan, Brian. The Social Life of Coffee : The Emergence of the British Coffeehouse. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2005.
I totally agree that print culture and coffee houses are interesting. This would to lead to many developments, like having an environment to work and progress. A coffee house could also be a space where people can socialize and meet new people.
I think it is really interesting to think about women in coffeehouses and how they were perceived by men. It is also interesting to ponder about how coffee houses have evolved overtime and how our society has moved away from social interactions with strangers!