Tea - by Laura C Martin (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Discover the remarkable history of tea--from its origins in ancient China to its global influence today.

Tea: The Drink that Changed the World traces the fascinating story of one of history's most influential beverages. Beginning with the earliest legends surrounding tea in China, it follows the drink's spread across Asia and eventually around the world, exploring how tea shaped trade, culture, religion and daily life.

From the tea houses of China's Tang Dynasty to Japanese tea ceremonies, Korean Buddhist traditions, British afternoon tea and the plantations of India and Sri Lanka, this richly illustrated history reveals how tea became a global tradition enjoyed by millions.

Whether you enjoy green, black, white, oolong or herbal teas, this engaging volume offers a deeper appreciation of the world's most celebrated beverage.

Review Quotes

"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

"Tea: The Drink That Changed the World is an engaging and offbeat exploration of the rise of tea around the world." --Tea: A Magazine

About the Author

Author, illustrator, and storyteller Laura C. Martin has written over twenty books and is the garden editor for both Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine and Georgia Magazine. She lives in Atlanta, GA.