The Tea Companion (Connoisseur's Guides) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Drinking tea has traditionally been associated with ancient rituals and Asian art forms; and, in a more contemporary vein, the imbibing of herbal teas is often linked to spiritual benefits and good health. This informative guide provides answers to most any question one might have about the history of tea, the many types of fine teas available, and different manners of brewing and preparation. A detailed international directory by country describes the production of a rather mind-boggling variety of teas, recommending the best selections, along with seven categories specifying the appropriate times to drink the myriad kinds of teas listed. Alice Joyce --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

More and more people are turning to tea as their primary hot beverage, and connoisseurs are discovering the wondrous range of flavors to be found in different varieties from around the globe--some of which command fantastic prices and are in great demand. This comprehensive, authoritative guide to understanding, purchasing, and serving the world's finest teas is beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs of a variety of tea leaves and herbs, as well as their countries of origin. Learn how to store tea so its aromas last, brew it properly for fullest enjoyment, and appreciate the many nuances of flavor to be found in this extraordinary drink.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Running Press (September 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762421509
• ISBN-13: 978-0762421503
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #135,011 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

86 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile companion, October 15, 2001

By	Sam "Sam" (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tea Companion (Hardcover)

As mentioned, there are a lot of books on tea. The trick is finding one that's practical and useful. What makes this special is 1) extra detail about brewing time, temperature, amount 2) clear color photos of the dry and brewed tea and tea leaves 3) clear organization that helps you understand teas by country and variety. I've browsed through lots of books and of the ones I've seen, this is the best. Think of it as a first rate primer (beginner and intermediate level), not a text book, but five stars for what it tries to do.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE ULTIMATE TEA BOOK, July 24, 2003

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Tea Companion (Hardcover)

This interesting book serves as a guide and history book to the world's favorite drink, made from the plant Thea Sinensis. The book reveals the huge variety of teas available and encourages the reader to try some of the world's most exquisite teas. It deals with the discovery of tea (according to legend, by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung), advice on where to buy it, storage hints and how to make the perfect cup. It also includes a discussion of the origin and spread of the word "tea" plus a Grading Terminology and the Tea Taster's vocabulary. Part One, The Story Of Tea, contains the chapters The History Of Tea, Production of Tea, Tea Equipage and Tea Appreciation. Part Two is titled Global Tea Directory and includes a Guide to the Teas of the World, followed by chapters on Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East and Other Tea-producing Countries. The book concludes with the section Addresses of Mail-order Tea Companies and a thorough index. The text is beautifully illustrated with photographs, reproductions of art, portraits and maps. Tastefully designed, well written and informative, The Tea Companion must be the ultimate book on this popular beverage. I strongly recommend it.

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You ONLY Own One, November 30, 2002

By	C. Rogers "carrellee" (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Tea Companion (Hardcover)

If you do not collect books on tea; if you wish to know about tea but not spend your life in that pursuit; if you want a reference guide to tea; if you ONLY want to own one book about tea - this is that ONE book that gives you the most information in the least amount of pages.