"In Told in the Coffee House, Allan Ramsay masterfully weaves together a collection of captivating stories set in the vibrant world of a coffee house. Each tale is rich in detail and character development, drawing the reader in from the very first page. Ramsay's writing is both eloquent and engaging, making it difficult to put the book down. The varied narratives offer a glimpse into the lives of diverse individuals, all connected by their shared love of coffee and storytelling. This book is a true gem for anyone looking for a unique and immersive reading experience."

Book Description:
In the course of a number of visits to Constantinople, I became much interested in the tales that are told in the coffee houses. These are usually little more than rooms, with walls made of small panes of glass. The furniture consists of a tripod with a contrivance for holding the kettle, and a fire to keep the coffee boiling. A carpeted bench traverses the entire length of the room. This is occupied by turbaned Turks, their legs folded under them, smoking nargilehs or chibooks or cigarettes, and sipping coffee. A few will be engaged in a game of backgammon, but the majority enter into conversation, at first only in syllables, which gradually gives rise to a general discussion. Finally, some sage of the neighborhood comes in, and the company appeals to him to settle the point at issue. This he usually does by telling a story to illustrate his opinion. Some of the stories told on these occasions are adaptations of those already known in Arabic and Persian literature, but the Turkish mind gives them a new setting and a peculiar philosophy. They are characteristic of the habits, customs, and methods of thought of the people, and for this reason seem worthy of preservation.