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Prepare for a richly exotic voyage across continents and centuries in this in-depth exploration of the world of tea. Like wine, tea has its own prestigious growing regions and plantations where are produced refined, noble, and modern varieties as distinctive as the terroir on which they are grown. This impressive volume follows the trade routes of the familiar yet mysterious tea leaf, from the origins of cultivation in China to Japan’s legendary tea ceremony to the ritual of afternoon tea in the U.K. Practical advice describes the benefits of tea in the diet, the optimum brewing temperature, and precise measurements for steeping the perfect cup. Profiles of the Grand Crus of tea (32 worldwide varieties) plus recipes that pair well with tea or have tea as an ingredient are also featured. Rich and sumptuous photographs lead us through this ancient but still contemporary pursuit that reaches from remote Asian villages to exotic islands to today’s modern cities. Tea is a book to be savored with all the senses.
192 pages.
This vibrant, relevant study from architects Ando, Fujimori and Isozaki looks at the present moment of a centuries-old Japanese tradition, the chashitsu, or “tea room.” In first-person narratives, leading Japanese architects discuss their contemporary take on the classic tea ceremony space. Full-color photographs, design sketches and polished plans are clearly laid out along with text, and each chapter focuses on a number of works by a single architect. Fujimori’s chapter, for example, includes an elaborate tree-top tea house, an “enormous woven bamboo birdcage” called The Forum and a room built especially to host France’s President Chirac. Ando gets to the heart of the matter in his statement of purpose: “not to dwell solely on the abstract; but to explore abstract concepts by expressing them through material phenomena.” Three more architects-Isozaki, Kengo Kuma and Hiroshi Hara-discuss their designs, and how they relate to the genre’s traditions, in similar terms, focusing on the “tension between abstraction and representation.” Especially fascinating are discussions of materials used: for Fujimori, the most important components are “raw, unworked materials” and “amateur artisans” to do all the building. Throughout, the houses’ elegance and simplicity are reflected in the text; lush images, meanwhile, provide tranquil warmth and a real sense of place.
136 pages.
What’s a sociable spider to do when no one will accept her invitations to tea? Seemingly unaware of her own predatory reputation, the eponymous arachnid is perplexed and saddened when a parade of potential guests scuttles, scampers and scurries away “in mortal dread.” A timely rainstorm provides the perfect opportunity for Miss Spider to prove her good intentions, however, as she lovingly nurtures a rain-soaked moth with sweets and warm brew. Good news travels quickly, and before long her web is abuzz with a full-scale tea party. “Her friends were glad to watch her feast / Upon the floral centerpiece. / It was a great relief to see / She ate just flowers and drank just tea.” First-time author Kirk’s rhyming text, with its singsong rhythm and counting motif (two beetles are followed by three fireflies, then four bumblebees, etc.), is slack and predictable, but his illustrations are thoroughly original. The stylized paintings are flecked with a shimmery light that accentuates the bold, often garish, juxtaposition of colors and increases the whimsy of the appropriately bug-eyed cast. All ages.
32 pages.
For the first time, a discussion of tea’s transcendental nature and reasons given as to why we keep returning to this Queen of the Camellia’s, that offers us a few moments of respite in a world gone mad. Myths about tea are debunked while practical information given, including history, characteristics, and properties of the six classical tea categories.
128 pages.
Is enjoying a cup of tea the favorite part of your day? Is the brewing of a ‘cuppa’ a ritual that centers and calms you? Then let Chicken Soup for the Tea Lover’s Soul help you reconnect with yourself in the silent intimacy and introspection experienced while sipping tea.
Chicken Soup for the Tea Lover’s Soul is the perfect accompaniment to that English Breakfast, delightful Darjeeling , French Vanilla, spicy Chai, or comforting Chamomile. Nothing soothes the soul like a cup of tea and a good book, so curl up and wash away the tensions and troubles of the day.
Learn about tea’s ancient history and discover the many choices of tea available from the most exclusive to the tried-and-true favorites. Included are tips on buying, storing, and preparing tea, and even a few ideas on how to host a tea party. You’ll also discover:
• The best-tasting and most popular teas
• The proper way to steep tea
• The health benefits of tea
• The difference between black and green tea, and much more.
Nothing soothes the soul like a cup of tea and a good book, so curl up and wash away the tensions and troubles of the day.
220 pages.
Prepare for a richly exotic voyage across continents and centuries in this in-depth exploration of the world of tea. Like wine, tea has its own prestigious growing regions and plantations where are produced refined, noble, and modern varieties as distinctive as the terroir on which they are grown. This impressive volume follows the trade routes of the familiar yet mysterious tea leaf, from the origins of cultivation in China to Japan’s legendary tea ceremony to the ritual of afternoon tea in the U.K. Practical advice describes the benefits of tea in the diet, the optimum brewing temperature, and precise measurements for steeping the perfect cup. Profiles of the Grand Crus of tea (32 worldwide varieties) plus recipes that pair well with tea or have tea as an ingredient are also featured. Rich and sumptuous photographs lead us through this ancient but still contemporary pursuit that reaches from remote Asian villages to exotic islands to today’s modern cities. Tea is a book to be savored with all the senses.
