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History of Tea
An engaging historical survey of tea in literature from ancient China to today.
The History of Tea focuses on tea and tea time in books, plays, and poems. Whether used for flirtation or a reason to bring key characters together, this delightful book explores our relationship with tea through fiction. Divided into chapters to include a brief tea history, romantic teas and tea parties (from the infamous Boston Tea Party to the bizarre Madhatter's Tea Party), Claire Hopley takes us on a walk through the long, dark tea time--of literature. The use of recipes based on the scenes in the featured books is bound to appeal to readers.
The History of Tea focuses on tea and tea time in books, plays, and poems. Whether used for flirtation or a reason to bring key characters together, this delightful book explores our relationship with tea through fiction. Divided into chapters to include a brief tea history, romantic teas and tea parties (from the infamous Boston Tea Party to the bizarre Madhatter's Tea Party), Claire Hopley takes us on a walk through the long, dark tea time--of literature. The use of recipes based on the scenes in the featured books is bound to appeal to readers.
- GenresHistoryTeaNonfiction
195 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2009
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54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 7, 2020
Very helpful and fascinating read.
April 13, 2016
I love tea. I enjoyed this book. Claire Hopley demonstrates well, that as much as tea time has often been the realm of the feminine, the thirst for tea has played a pivotal role in the development of nations and their economy. The ritual of tea shapes culture. I appreciate the way Hopley uses examples of the tea ritual from literature to highlight tea's role in fostering relationships, educating children about adult culture and it's ability to illustrate the power dynamic and class position of the host and guests.
To be nit-picky, and to explain the loss of a star, I'd point out that it lacks in it's references outside of Britain. We get some historical perspective from China & Japan, but no modern day literary example of tea in either culture. We receive an interesting modern example from literature of tea time in India, but the historical support is missing. Chaiwallah, which Hopley adorably translates as "tea bloke" doesn't capture that a chaiwallah could only be from a lower class, for example. There must be some great story that could support a conversation about the history of tea in India. Not to mention tea has been important to other cultures as well like France, Morocco, Nepal . . . you get the point. I might change the title to the British History of Tea or perhaps make it volume 1 in a series. That said, the British references are delightful. Some of my very favorite books appear and I was able to add a couple to my "to read list."
If history and/or literature are not your cup of tea, you may need a strong one to get through this book, but have a snack ready too because the recipes sound delicious. Hopley did a nice job selecting recipes that complement her literature references, including some very traditional British tea time fare. I'm most keen to try Mrs. Gaskell's Coconut cakes from North & South. Measurements are provided for both a UK and American audience.
Check out my other reviews of tea related books on goodreads.com and my blog about tea at florasteaparty.com.
To be nit-picky, and to explain the loss of a star, I'd point out that it lacks in it's references outside of Britain. We get some historical perspective from China & Japan, but no modern day literary example of tea in either culture. We receive an interesting modern example from literature of tea time in India, but the historical support is missing. Chaiwallah, which Hopley adorably translates as "tea bloke" doesn't capture that a chaiwallah could only be from a lower class, for example. There must be some great story that could support a conversation about the history of tea in India. Not to mention tea has been important to other cultures as well like France, Morocco, Nepal . . . you get the point. I might change the title to the British History of Tea or perhaps make it volume 1 in a series. That said, the British references are delightful. Some of my very favorite books appear and I was able to add a couple to my "to read list."
If history and/or literature are not your cup of tea, you may need a strong one to get through this book, but have a snack ready too because the recipes sound delicious. Hopley did a nice job selecting recipes that complement her literature references, including some very traditional British tea time fare. I'm most keen to try Mrs. Gaskell's Coconut cakes from North & South. Measurements are provided for both a UK and American audience.
Check out my other reviews of tea related books on goodreads.com and my blog about tea at florasteaparty.com.
June 3, 2016
Claire brought together lots of neat facts about tea. History, salesmanship, tastes, types, etiquette, and my favorite, lots of quotes. I'm glad the library has it, I'll probably check it out again to breeze through.
May 31, 2014
Herbata!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews