A History of Tea: The Life and Times of the World's Favorite Beverage

by Laura C. Martin

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780804851121
Publisher:	Tuttle Publishing
Publication date:	09/04/2018
Pages:	232
Sales rank:	355,857
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 From Shrub to Cup: An Overview 5

2 History and Legend 21

3 Tea in Ancient China and Korea 33

4 Tea in Ancient Japan 53

5 The Japanese Tea Ceremony 71

6 Tea in the Ming Dynasty 83

7 Tea Spreads Throughout the World 97

8 The British in India, China, and Ceylon 123

9 Tea in England and the United States 153

10 Tea Today and Tomorrow 169

Appendices

Tea-Growing Countries 176

The Professionals' Terms For Describing Tea 183

Choice Teas From Around The World 186

Tisanes, Or Herbal "Teas" 192

Tea With Food 199

Best Times Of Day For Sipping Various Teas 200

How To Brew A Perfect Cup Of Tea 202

Cooking With Tea: The Possibilities 205

Tea And Health 206

Useful Websites 208

Index 209

Selected Bibliography 214

Further Reading 216

Color Insert Images 216

Editorial Reviews

07/16/2018
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. Martin begins with a fact: all brews—black, white, and green—come from one plant species, Camellia sinensis. Distinct styles, such as matcha and Darjeeling, develop during processing, while so-called herbal teas derive from other plants. The author explains tea’s early use as a meditation aid for Buddhist monks, tracks its popularization during China’s T’ang Dynasty, and delightfully details the Japanese tea ceremony. “The polar opposite of the battlefield,” teahouses in 14th-century Japan were where drinkers escaped conflict. Yet, when Dutch and British trading companies introduced tea to Europe in 1606, it sparked centuries of exploitation, and Martin reveals how Britain traded India-grown opium for the high-society drink from China. She guides today’s drinkers to fair-traded brands that protect workers and includes a tasting vocabulary (such as burnt, earthy, or malty), a list of quality blends, and a guide to brewing the perfect cup. This is an informative plunge into tea’s history. Photos and illus. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

"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

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

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

"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

From the Publisher