Whether it's a delicate green tea or a bracing Assam black, a cup of tea is a complex brew of art and industry, tradition and revolution, East and ...
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reviews
Mar 05, 2009
John Ivey
rated it: 
Disappointing. I was excited to read this book. I typically like this kind of thing. This book however, was so poorly written and organized that i couldnt read it all. There was a lot of good information in it but it was neither a history of tea, nor a travelogue about the authors trips to tea-producing regions, rather it read like a textbook trying to throw in the obligatory information, without any detail or background and often repeating itself, and then interspersed: "We enjoyed see
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Apr 11, 2010
John
rated it: 
I enjoyed the one chapter I read, which was about the history of tea. The pictures were beautiful, and the writing was interesting. But I had to admit to myself that I wasn't going to read much of this book, and I took it back to the library instead of renewing it.
I read when I'm in bed at night, and I always take a book with me during the day, reading as opportunity provides. This comprises 50 percent or more of my reading. This book is heavy, and it's an awkward size, so I didn't take it More...
I read when I'm in bed at night, and I always take a book with me during the day, reading as opportunity provides. This comprises 50 percent or more of my reading. This book is heavy, and it's an awkward size, so I didn't take it More...
Mar 06, 2011
Tim
rated it: 
It is the most definitive text on tea I haver ever read - It goes through the history of tea - the different tea bushes - how the different countries grow and process different types of tea - how to brew tea to perfection - culture and customs surrounding tea - recipes with tea - fair trade with tea - resources on buying tea - if you want to know about tea, this is the book!
Jan 21, 2011
This exhaustive and comprehensive survey of tea is also a fascinating and enjoyable read. The authors share their extensive experience as tea sellers through lavishly illustrated chapters on history, the tea bush, manufacturing processes, and journeys to tea producing regions. Additional sections cover tea styles, brewing methods, culture and customs, health benefits, and cooking with tea. Favorite passage: "a simple cup of tea is far from a simple matter."
Mar 07, 2009
Stacie
rated it:
This read like a mix between a textbook and an infomercial. I dislike not finishing books so I persevered, but I definitely heaved a sigh of relief and a "Thank God!" when I finished. If it wasn't for the anecdotal stories included in the margin blocks of the chapters the book would have excruciating to read... instead of just really boring. If you have this book I recommend looking for the text in the blue blocks and skipping the rest.
Dec 02, 2011
Kendra
rated it:
Ugh... I am seriously disappointed here! It is a shame that this book is such a disaster, because the authors clearly know a phenomenal amount about tea, its origins, the intricacies of its flavors... but the writing and organization of the book are utterly subpar. I find it almost impossible to read this book. Indeed, I have only read the first eighty pages or so, but I'm drawing the line, throwing in the towel. It's going back to the library tomorrow.
Apr 25, 2010
Janne
rated it:
A true labor of love, this book does a great job at communicating the story and tradition behind the teas we drink through firsthand experiences, encyclopedic information, and beautiful pictures.
Feb 16, 2009
Eva
rated it: 
Beautiful - I was inspired by their thoughtful structure and the depth of their knowledge. I'm going to visit the authors tomorrow in northampton.
Feb 03, 2008
Anie
rated it: 
An informative and detailed guide to tea, especially in regards to the different types of tea and styles of tea production. Unfortunately, its portrayal of tea workers as happy go-lucky, well-treated workers is rather ridiculous, and it neglects several other worthwhile tea topics. The writing could also use some work; it's a bit wordy and awkward at times. However, as a guide to tea, it's worth flipping through.
Sep 02, 2008
Painting
rated it:
This is a great reference book, so I bought it for myself! I learned that black and oolong teas are not fermented, but "oxidized" and the differences among various kinds of Chinese and Japanese green teas as well as the definition of "white" tea.
Aug 29, 2010
Matthew
rated it:
This book was really comprehensive and had a ton of great information, which is why I gave it four stars. Unfortunately, I thought that the writing was kind of pretentious so this made it somewhat difficult to enjoy the read.
Aug 31, 2011
David
rated it:
Excellent encyclopedia of tea. Pretty much the only book on the subject you will need. Gets pretty nerdy, in a good way.
Jul 17, 2008
Jenn
rated it:
Currently obsessed with tea - don't know if normal people would find this book interesting.
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