Book recommendation: a guide about coffee to a beginner? I really want to learn more about coffee, but I think the web is too large and therefore confusing. So I have decided to start with a good book. Which books (preferably below 20 USD) can you recommend? Just a good and informative beginner guide to espresso and coffee in general?
I recommend Hoffman's "The World Atlas of Coffee." 
 He gives you history, tells you about different methods of brewing, roasting, and teaches about growing and processing as well.  A very well rounded introduction.

The World Atlas of Coffee 

So far as a book focussed more on brewing, I recommend Rao's "The Professional Barista's Handbook."  His blog (also linked below) is also a tremendous source.

The Professional Barista's Handbook