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Tea is a subject that has inspired countless books covering its history, cultivation, preparation, and culture.
Taking that into account, let’s take a look at some of the best books about tea.
Table of Contents
The Classic of Tea
Author: Lu Yu
“The Classic of Tea” (茶经, Chájīng) is an important treatise on tea written by Lu Yu during the Tang dynasty, around 760 CE.
It is considered the world’s first monograph about tea and remains a foundational text in Chinese tea culture.
The work is both a scholarly exploration of the art of tea drinking, as well as a practical guide for the cultivation and preparation of tea.
- Yu, Lu (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 110 Pages – 09/18/2019 (Publication Date) – Long River Press (Publisher)
The Book of Tea
Author: Okakura Kakuzo
“The Book of Tea”, written in 1906 by Kakuzo Okakura, is a classic text that discusses the cultural significance of tea in Japanese society, as well as its its aesthetics, history, and corresponding philosophy.
Okakura emphasizes how the tea ceremony, or “Cha-no-yu”, is deeply interwoven with the Tao and Zen traditions. He expands on the ideals of simplicity, directness, and harmony with nature, which are fundamental to the tea ceremony and can be seen as reflections of broader Japanese values and aesthetics.
The book also touches upon concepts such as “Wabi” (simplicity and quietude) and “Sabi” (the beauty of age and wear), which are central to understanding the aesthetics of the tea ceremony.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
- Kakuzo, Okakura (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 104 Pages – 06/20/2011 (Publication Date) – Benjamin Press (Publisher)
The Tale of Tea: A Comprehensive History of Tea from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day
Author: George L. van Driem
“The Tale of Tea: A Comprehensive History of Tea from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day” is an expansive work that offers readers a deep dive into the world of tea.
This book details the transformative role of tea in shaping societies, economies, and politics.
From ancient rituals in China and the Buddhist monks who spread the beverage to Japan, to the British Empire’s colonization and the Boston Tea Party, tea has been at the epicenter of global events.
The book also sheds light on the cultural practices, art, and literature influenced by tea, demonstrating its profound cultural significance beyond just being a simple drink.
- Hardcover Book
- George L. van Driem (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 924 Pages – 03/01/2019 (Publication Date) – BRILL (Publisher)
Tea in China: A Religious and Cultural History
Author: James A. Benn
“Tea in China” examines the profound cultural significance of tea in Chinese history.
In the early segments of his detailed study, Benn traces the origin of tea-drinking in China, linking it to Buddhist practices and its role in Daoist philosophy where it symbolized harmony and simplicity.
These early spiritual and philosophical affiliations facilitated tea’s deep integration into Chinese society
Further in the book, the exploration continues into the realms of art and literature, illustrating how tea has been a prolific theme in Chinese poetry, prose, and paintings.
Benn also explains the history and practice of Chinese tea ceremonies, capturing their spiritual and cultural essence in the broader tapestry of Chinese society.
- Benn, James A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages – 02/28/2015 (Publication Date) – University of Hawaii Press (Publisher)
The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide
Author: Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss
“The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide” is a comprehensive exploration of the world of tea, tracing its journey from ancient traditions to modern trends.
Covering various regions and their unique tea practices, the guide offers readers a deep understanding of the techniques, flavors, and ceremonies that define each type of tea.
Furthermore, the book delves into the socio-economic and political influences that have shaped the global tea industry.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
- Heiss, Mary Lou (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 432 Pages – 10/01/2007 (Publication Date) – Ten Speed Press (Publisher)
Darjeeling: The Colorful History and Precarious Fate of the World’s Greatest Tea
Author: Jeff Koehler
“Darjeeling: The Colorful History and Precarious Fate of the World’s Greatest Tea” is an exploration of the Darjeeling tea industry, celebrated for producing one of the world’s most famous teas.
The book highlights the unique terroir of the Darjeeling region, which contributes to the tea’s distinct flavor profile. Alongside its rich history, the narrative brings to the forefront the current challenges faced by the Darjeeling tea industry, from labor disputes to climate change impacts and questions of sustainability.
- Hardcover Book
- Koehler, Jeff (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages – 05/12/2015 (Publication Date) – Bloomsbury USA (Publisher)