As a tea lover, I'm always looking for ways to expand my knowledge of
this beloved drink. Whether it's learning about the history and culture
of tea or exploring the different varieties and growing regions, there's
always something new to discover. Over the years, I've come across some
fantastic tea-related books that have helped me deepen my understanding
of this complex and fascinating beverage. Here are my personal reviews on some of the most fascinating books on tea that I have come across.
1. "Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties (Third Edition)" by Kevin Gascoyne, François Marchand, and Jasmin Desharnais is a fascinating read that delves deep into the world of tea, exploring
its rich history, diverse terroirs, and myriad varieties. As a tea
lover, I found myself engrossed in the authors' vivid descriptions of
different tea regions, the unique flavours and aromas of each tea, and
the cultural significance of tea around the world. This book is a
treasure trove of information for anyone who wants to expand their
knowledge of tea.
2. "The Book of Tea" by Okakura Kakuzo is a classic text that offers a poetic and philosophical take on the tea
ceremony and its place in Japanese culture. As I read this book, I
found myself transported to a world of serenity and contemplation, where
the simple act of drinking tea can become a deeply meaningful
experience. The author's musings on the beauty of imperfection, the
transience of life, and the harmony of nature and humanity are both
inspiring and thought-provoking. It is available on Google Books free of charge!
3. "Tea: A Nerd's Eye View" by Jhanne Jasmine is a quirky and fun exploration of the science behind tea. As a
self-proclaimed tea nerd, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the
chemistry, biology, and physics of tea, from the compounds that give tea
its unique flavour to the role of water temperature in brewing the
perfect cup. This book is a great read for anyone who loves tea and
wants to deepen their understanding of this fascinating beverage.
4. "The Book of Japanese Tea" by Oscar Brekell is a beautiful and informative guide to the world of Japanese tea. As
someone who is passionate about both tea and Japanese culture, I found
this book to be a real treasure trove of information. Berkell explores
the history of tea in Japan, the different varieties of tea grown there,
and the unique brewing methods used to make each one.
5. "For All the Tea in China" by Sarah Rose is a fascinating historical account of the British tea trade in China
during the 19th century. This book tells the story of Robert Fortune, a
botanist who was sent on a mission by the British East India Company to
steal tea plants and the secrets of tea production from China. I was
gripped by this tale of espionage and adventure, and it gave me a new
appreciation for the complex history of tea.
6. "Puer Tea: Ancient Caravans and Urban Chic" by Jinghong Zhang is a comprehensive guide to one of the world's most revered and
mysterious teas. Puer tea, which is produced in China's Yunnan Province,
has a long and storied history, and is said to have many health
benefits. Zhang delves into the cultural significance of Puer tea, as
well as the different varieties and brewing methods used to make it. As a
tea lover, I found this book to be a real eye-opener and I learned so
much about this fascinating drink.
7. "The True History of Tea" by Victor H. Mair and Erling Hoh is the book if you're looking for a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of the
history of tea. The book delves into the origins and evolution of
tea culture, covering everything from the early days of tea consumption
in China to the global spread of tea during the colonial era. With
extensive research and beautiful illustrations, the book provides a
fascinating look at the role of tea in human history.
8. "Pearl Among the Clouds" by Ueda Akinari is a beautiful book that tells the story of how tea was introduced to Japan. It's a lyrical and poetic book that will transport you to another time and place. As I read the book, I felt as though I was right there with the author,
experiencing the breathtaking landscapes and encountering the
fascinating people of Tibet. Sokei's writing is vivid and engaging,
making this book a joy to read.
9. "The Way of Tea" by Rand Castile is a practical guide to the Japanese tea ceremony. If you're interested in learning more about this ancient art form, this is the book for you. As a tea lover myself, I found this book to be a treasure trove of
information about one of my favourite beverages. Castile's insights into
the spiritual significance of tea in Japanese society were particularly
fascinating, and his descriptions of the tea ceremony left me yearning
to experience it for myself. It's full of beautiful photographs and step-by-step instructions that will help you master the tea ceremony.
10. "The Darjeeling Distinction" by Sarah Besky is a fascinating look at the tea industry in Darjeeling. This book sheds
light on the complex social and economic issues surrounding the
production of one of the world's most beloved teas. Besky's writing is
insightful and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for
anyone interested in the ethics of the food industry.
11. "The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu is a timeless book that was written over a thousand years ago. It's a beautiful meditation on the art of tea and its place in Chinese culture. If you're interested in the history and culture of tea, this is a must-read. It is a book that has been on my reading list for some time, and I'm so
glad I finally got around to reading it. This ancient Chinese text is a
fascinating exploration of the history and culture of tea. As someone
who enjoys tea as much for its cultural significance as for its taste, I
found Lu Yu's insights into the spiritual and social significance of
tea to be incredibly interesting.
12. "The Tea Book" by Linda Gaylard is a comprehensive guide to tea from around the world. It covers everything from the history of tea to the different types and brewing methods. It's a great book for beginners who want to learn more about tea. As a tea lover, I found this book to be a fantastic resource for
learning about different tea varieties and brewing methods. Gaylard's
writing is engaging and accessible, making this book perfect for both
tea enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of tea.
13. "The Story of Tea" by Mary Lou Heiss is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the history and culture surrounding one of the world's most beloved beverages. As someone who has always been fascinated by tea, I found this book to be an incredibly informative and enjoyable read. Heiss delves into the ancient origins of tea, tracing its evolution through the centuries and across different cultures, from the tea gardens of China to the tea salons of Europe.
14. "A Bowl for a Coin" by Vanessa Kimbell is a unique and beautifully crafted book that offers a personal and poetic perspective on the world of bread-making. As someone who has always found bread-making to be a meditative and rewarding activity, I found Kimbell's reflections on the subject to be insightful and inspiring. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, transporting the reader to a world of flour and yeast, of kneading and rising.
15. "The Tea Book: All Things Tea" by Nick Kilby and Louise Cheadle, the cocreators of Teapigs, is a charming and accessible introduction to the world of tea. As someone who is always looking to expand my knowledge of different teas and brewing techniques, I found this book to be a great starting point. It covers everything from the history of tea to the different types of tea and how to prepare them, and is full of beautiful photographs and illustrations. What I particularly appreciated about this book was its emphasis on the importance of quality and ethical sourcing, something that is increasingly important to many tea drinkers today.
These are just a few of the many books on tea that I have enjoyed reading over the years. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply interested in the cultural significance of tea, there's a book out there for you. So sit back, brew a cup of your favourite tea, and delve into the fascinating world of tea.
- Oizys.