Tea is a beverage with roots all over the globe, from English tearooms to the mountains of Tibet. This exquisitely illustrated volume leads readers on an investigation of the many faces of tea: a mythic plant, a ceremony, the cause of wars (remember the Boston Tea Party), and ultimately one of the world's favorite beverages. The Book of Tea provides a comprehensive history and background of the beloved ritual of tea, providing photographed accounts of tea farming, tea barons and, teatime, and capturing the various tastes and nuances of teas from around the world.

This book, based on the original Flammarion title The Book of Tea, is now edited and brought up to date.

This book acts as both a guide to the appreciation of tea and a travel guide to the regions responsible for the production of tea, including Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Anyone who loves tea will be delighted by the chance to delve into the magnificent photography and descriptive writing of The Book of Tea.

About The Author

Alain Stella has written The Book of Coffee and The Book of Spices. He is a tea connoisseur and traveler, and divides his time between Egypt and France.

Gilles Brochard, a writer and journalist, is author of The Tea Box: Book and Cards and Le Thé Dans l'Encrier.

Nadine Beautheac is a consultant for the United Nations and the author of numerous books, including L'art de vivre au temps de Proust and Jardins Fantastiques.

Catherine Donzel is a historian who has written various books such as La Route des Epices, The Book of Flowers, and Grand American Hotels.

Marc Walter works as a photographer and art director, and has written Voyages Around the World, Silk, and Casinos.