All the Tea in China

Traces the history of tea, looks at Chinese and Japanese tea customs, explains how tea is grown and processed, and describes fifty Chinese varieties

This lavishly illustrated book explores both the historical lore of tea in China, Japan, and the West and the health and aesthetic virtues of the beverage. Chow and Kramer draw on English-language secondary literature and their experiences in China to argue that tea is at least as worthy of studious appreciation as wine, and they bolster this claim with intriguing descriptions of 50 famous Chinese teas. The authors also describe the role of tea-houses in China today, tell where and how to buy the unusual varieties they describe ("Lushan Cloud and Mist," "Green Snail Spring," etc.), give hints on how to brew a "nice cup of tea," and even tell how to get the most out of a tea bag! A charming and informative addition to any library collection.
-Charles W. Hayford, Northwestern Univ., Evanston, Ill.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.