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Agony of the Leaves: The Ecstasy of My Life with Tea Hardcover – January 1, 1996

4.3 out of 5 stars 8

Widely famed as the tea guru of Berkeley's Chez Panisse, Gustafson, in this book, creates intersections between her own life & her experiences with tea -- from domestic tea rituals in her St. Paul, MN, upbringing, to her Irish honeymoon where she encountered Barry's of Cork tea, to her first meeting with the venerable Mr. Twining, of the Twining tea empire, in search of the incomparable 275th Anniversary black Yunnan tea. Gustafson's approach to the minutiae of the tea experience is a magically macroscopic one -- she makes the subject of tea as ecstatic ritual come alive through biographical detail, storytelling, recipes, & reminiscences.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

''Tea and the role it has played in one woman's life forms the essence of this sparkling book. The author, a lecturer in tea history, a contributing editor for Tea Quarterly magazine, and a tea guru for Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, mixes personal remembrances and tea facts and lore with a selection of appropriate tea-time recipes (including cakes, cookies, and breads) to create a heady brew that will delight tea-loving readers. Various chapters offer a look at a childhood faculty tea party in Minnesota, a cherished meeting with the CEO of the Twinings tea empire, and some behind-the-scenes action at an English tea auction. Tea statistics, guidelines for buying and storing teas, the proper method of preparing tea, and the various measures for grading tea leaves are just some of the fascinating aspects of tea culture described in the author's brisk and endearing prose. So put on the kettle, pull up a comfy chair, and savor this enticing book.'' ---- Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Company; First Edition, First Printing (January 1, 1996)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 174 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0788157019
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0788157011
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.4 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 8

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Helen Gustafson
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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
8 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2021
It was a very interesting read and a lot of information on tea.
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2012
This tiny book looks like a children's book, and actually, the author's outlook is a bit naive and child-like (a good thing). I enjoyed her stories, but the book is somewhat forgettable.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2013
Helen Gustafson worked with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse for many years, instructing her on how to improve her tea menu. She is hysterically funny and witty. Enjoy!
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2004
This is a pleasantly readable book about tea. Even the serious tea lover can discover new aspects of the beverage, and casual drinkers are sure to learn to appreciate tea more. Even if you're not willing to take as serious an approach to tea as Helen does, this book can teach you some great tips for making and appreciating tea.

My only complaint is that some of the recipes do not yield results quite as good as the author's description of them. Nevertheless, they do make tasty treats for teatime.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2016
This is a book that entertains those who like to read stories and pick up some historical accounts from a female author. The writing is fantastic. It's been my "go to" book for relaxing on my porch with a book... and a cup of tea. I am in my late 30's bit grew up in the rural Midwest, reading Laura Ingalls Wilder and loving to "reminisce about the olden days" when I was list a child myself. This book brought me similar joy. Is a rare find, don't hesitate to get a copy. (Such a glowing review and I didn't even tough on the recipes or the little educational, fun tidbits throughout the book! :)
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2000
I was afraid this was going to be another restaurant-puffery book, but I was so pleasantly surprised! The engaging stories and accompanying recipes were charming. In fact, I borrowed this book from the library and then ran out and bought three copies to give away as gifts and one copy for myself!
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2000
This morning I finished reading a lovely book, _The Agony of the Leaves_ by Helen Gustafson, who is the tea buyer for Chez Panisse in Berkeley. The title refers to a description of what happens to tea leaves when boiling water is poured over them; they contort and twist, releasing their flavor.
The book is subtititled "The Ecstasy of My Life in Tea," and it's a charming chatty thing about tea cultivation and technology and history, woven in with reminiscences of tea parties from childhood to middle age. I've been reading it a few minutes at a time, while my tea brews in the morning.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 1999
This lady's knowledge and talents are utterly wasted at Chez Panisse. She really needs her own creative space where people who would prefer to give Chez Panisse a pass could congregate to enjoy tea in all of its varieties. I would love to enjoy a pot of white tea some afternoon, but the clientele and snobbery of that establishment would ruin it.
3 people found this helpful
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