A History of Tea - by Laura C Martin (Paperback)

About the Book

As the world's most popular beverage, tea has fascinated us, awakened us, motivated us, and calmed us for well over two thousand years. A History of Tea tells the compelling story of the rise of tea in Asia and its eventual spread to the West and beyond. From the tea houses of China's ancient Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the tea ceremonies developed by Japanese Zen Buddhist monks, to the current social issues faced by tea growers in India and Sri Lanka- this fascinating book explores the complex history of this universal drink. It illuminates the industries and traditions that have developed as tea spread throughout the world and it explains how tea is transformed into the many varieties that people drink each day. It also features a quick reference guide on subjects such as proper tea terminology and brewing. Whatever your cup of tea, green, black, white, oolong, chai, Japanese, Chinese, Sri Lankan, American or British, every tea aficionado will enjoy reading A History of Tea to learn more about their favorite beverage.

Book Synopsis

As the world's most popular beverage, tea has fascinated us, awakened us, motivated us, and calmed us for well over two thousand years.

A History of Tea tells the compelling story of the rise of tea in Asia and its eventual spread to the West and beyond. From the Chinese tea houses of the ancient Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Japanese tea ceremonies developed by Zen Buddhist monks, and the current social issues faced by tea growers in India and Sri Lanka--this fascinating book explores the complex history of this universal drink.

This in-depth look illuminates the industries and traditions that have developed as tea spread throughout the world and it explains how tea is transformed into the many varieties that people drink each day. It also features a quick reference guide on subjects such as tea types, proper terminology and brewing.

Whatever your cup of tea--green, black, white, oolong, chai, Japanese, Chinese, Sri Lankan, American or British--every tea aficionado will enjoy reading A History of Tea to learn more about their favorite beverage.

Review Quotes

"In A History of Tea author Laura C. Martin tells the compelling story of the rise of tea in Asia and its eventual spread to the West and beyond...[it] also features a quick reference guide on subjects such as proper tea terminology and brewing. Enhanced with the inclusion of a section of thematically relevant and interesting illustrations, A History of Tea: The Life and Times of the World's Favorite Beverage is impressively informed and informative." --Midwest Book Review

"In this stimulating history, gardening and crafts writer Martin follows tea from its medicinal origins in fourth-century China through its spread across the globe...This is an informative plunge into tea's history." --Publishers Weekly

"The author has done a fabulous job tracing its origins...Martin provides invaluable information on total tea consumption...How do you best brew a perfect cup and what are the best times of day for sipping various teas? Martin has the answers for you." --Khaas Baat

"(...) an engaging and offbeat exploration of the rise of tea around the world." --Tea: A Magazine

"As a tea lover, I really enjoyed this one. Martin starts with the legends about the discovery of tea, then follows it through China (where it was originally a bitter drink prized mostly as a stimulant) to the discovery baking and drying it would make it taste good. What followed was a mix of steady growth, coupled with more than a few dark sides..." --Goodreads

"It provides the history of tea and its introduction to the various parts of the world. The history of tea trade is really quite interesting with wars, drugs and secrets filling the stories. This book does a lovely job of giving the history and sharing the various cultures views and methods of tea." --Crafty Moms Share blog

"It's this unveiling of both the sordid and sublime elements of tea's evolution that make the book such a fantastically riveting read--one served best with a bottomless cup of your most beloved blend." --Conscious Choice magazine

"Martin uses both anecdotes and practical information to tell the story of tea's route through history." --Fresh Cup magazine

About the Author

Laura C. Martin is an award-winning author of more than 25 books on gardening, nature and crafts. She has studied the complexities of plants for decades and has appeared on television shows such as Home Matters and Victory Garden. She served as the garden editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Georgia magazine and has written for publications ranging from American Horticulturist to Better Homes & Gardens.