Tea: The Drink that Changed the World [Hardcover]

Laura C. Martin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2007

Camellia sinensis, commonly known as tea, is grown in tea gardens and estates around the world. A simple beverage, served either hot or iced, tea has fascinated and driven us, calmed and awoken us, for well over two thousand years.

Tea: The Drink that Changed the World tells of the rich legends and history surrounding the spread of tea throughout Asia and the West, as well as its rise to the status of necessity in kitchens around the world. From the tea houses of China's Tang Dynasty (618-907), to fourteenth century tea ceremonies in Korea's Buddhist temples' to the tea plantations in Sri Lanka today, this book explores and illuminates tea and its intricate, compelling history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

"Tea: The Drink That Changed the World is 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

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Hardcover with Jacket edition (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804837244
• ISBN-13: 978-0804837248
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #959,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Information for the beginner, May 24, 2007

By 

Robert Busko (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tea: The Drink that Changed the World (Hardcover)

If you're new to the topic of tea than Tea: The Drink that Changed the World by Laura Martin is the book for you. Beyond the expected coverage of how tea is consumed around the world the book includes a terrific load of basic information on the plant itself, how it is cultivated, managed, and harvested.

I'm well aware of the role tea has had in western history, especially in England and the U.S. I found the author's treatment of the role tea plays in virtually every major culture around the world very interesting. While not a long book, the coverage appears to me to be complete.

I found the rather extensive appendices at the end of the book to be particularly helpful. Tea and Health, Tea with Food, and Choice Teas from Around the World were very informative.

This book is loaded with great information.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Only good if you know zero about tea, November 16, 2010

By 

Mira (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tea: The Drink that Changed the World (Hardcover)

At worst, the author is misinformed. She makes her first big mistake early in the book, by referring to the oxidation process as "fermentation." Those two processes are very different. There's really not much to learn from this book for anyone who knows anything about tea. I was hoping for a lively history of the tea trade. Now I'm bummed that I spent money on this book. Note: The author is not a tea specialist. Apparently she writes articles for home and garden magazines.

5.0 out of 5 stars Tea: The Drink That Changed The World, October 22, 2011

By 

Maria V. Tagliarino "Maria V." (New York) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tea: The Drink that Changed the World (Hardcover)

This is a great book, the little I have read thus far! It arrived on time and in excellent condition. I love history in general, but it's nice to be able to find out where or how things such as tea came to be, especially since I am in the process of opening a cafe-bakery! Anyone who loves tea will love this book! I would highly recommend this seller!