The Tea Cyclopedia: A Celebration of the World's Favorite Drink Hardcover – November 6, 2013

There was a time in my youth when tea was my beverage of choice. I was known by my first name at the local tea shoppe, only selected loose leaf blends, and had a collection of tea pots, cups, and strainers that would make any Brit jealous. However, I’ve become more eclectic in my mature years grinding beans, exploring varieties, and savoring coffees from dark to light. “The Tea Cyclopedia” is much like having a reunion with an old friend with whom you’ve lost contact...Hello, dear friend!Dr. Keith Souter’s “Tea Cyclopedia” offers fascinating insights, information, and a few recipes, separated into three parts and starting with a nice introduction, “Pre-taste.”Part One “The History of Tea” delves into the history and culture surrounding tea from the BC beginning to more recent millennia, from China to India to Japan, from references in ancient texts to the tea trade that enveloped Europe and America creating additional facets to the tea culture. It was a compelling study filled with information I had never known. I think of tea as a calming libation, but fascinated about the connections, directly and indirectly, to conflict and smuggling.Part Two “Taking Tea” provides a more practical look at tea with cultivation and processing, types from common to beyond the tea plant, tasting, various accoutrements, rituals and ceremonies from around the world, tea etiquette with instructions, and serving afternoon tea including recipes (Try the Tea Loaf, Scones, or Earl Grey Fairy Cakes). I personally loved the customs and superstitions: apologies, respect, appreciation over a cup of tea; the do-s and don’t-s to avoid conflict or evil spirits; signs of good luck; and the treacherous tea bag loss. The tea loaf was delicious!Part Three “Using Tea” puts theory into practice; history into a cup. There are several “cocktail” recipes highlighting different teas with and without alcohol, hot or iced, purist to flavored. The health benefits are substantiated by science, but side effects, however uncommon, do exist. Enjoy “quirky” tea experiments, unexpected uses of tea (first-aid, body care and hygiene, gardening, cleaning), tea in literature, and tasseography teacup fortune telling from the ancient to the dangerous (try it yourself with great instructions, key points, and defining symbols). I really enjoyed this part of the book. The “Mar-tea-ni” was delightful chilled, and the “Hot Tea” with an orange twist...yum! I was aware of many medicinal and household uses for tea (acne and cleaning tips), but a few extras were fun (deodorant?). The tasseography was fascinating and includes great resources...add this to your next tea party!“The Tea Cyclopedia” does read like a textbook in places, although what a fascinating class it would make: Tea 101. It has a plethora of facts, footnoted references, a bibliography, and connections to historical people and events, but it also provides a practical application for the fanatic to the occasional tea lover well worth exploring. The recipes for tea and treats are easy-to-follow with readily available ingredients. What a great book for anyone!

The author shares the many facets of tea drinking. Everything from the types of teas to the types of tea drinking events. Plus an all inclusive history of tea with the mysteries of tasseography sprinkled in.

I'm addition to the history, it includes information on the health benefits of tea and the art of reading leaves.It's much more of an overview than a real encyclopedia and doesn't have much on cooking with tea or on blending tea flavors.Note: it does not include material on herbal teas, which technically aren't teas.Recommended for readers with an interest in tea, though an avid tea drinker might want something more comprehensive.

I am hosting book group for the book: "The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane". What better resource than the TEA CYCLOPEDIA for all the interesting facts and information about tea! Can't wait to share it with members of my book group!

It's ok but some idea k could not agree with however still appreciate.

This is one of Amazon's periodically Free Ebooks. Pick it up when free.

I enjoyed reading about history of this common drink. But after reading this book you'll realize it's not so common after all.

This is a Mother's Day present for my mother. She likes it. I know she loves drinking tea very much.

A bit boring to read straight through but full of interesting snippets about tea.

very informative

The first part of the book is good, with some interesting history and anecdotes. But the second half about tea-leaf reading is a waste of time and dangerous nonsense.It's also very Americanised, although written, it claims, by a British writer. It made this British reader wince.Overall, good in parts but not the perfect cuppa.