As we all know, tea and books are the ultimate perfect combination. The world of tea is vast, and each flavour of tea and genre of tea book can help provide us with a unique perspective on the rich culture, traditions, and influences surrounding everyone's favourite beverage.
Over the years, I personally must have read close to 100 tea-related books... and here are my top 14. From the origins of ancient tea caravans to the intricacies of brewing the perfect cup, these books offer something for every type of tea lover <3
1. Tea Horse Road: China's Ancient Trade Road to Tibet by Michael Freeman and Selena Ahmed
Frankly, this is my absolute favourite out of all of the tea books. It's a thick tea-table book filled with gorgeous images and stories from Freeman's travels along the ancient tea-trading route. For anyone fascinated by how tea traversed mountainous terrains and continues to connect distant cultures, this is a must-read.
2. The World Tea Encyclopedia
A comprehensive guide to all things tea, The World Tea Encyclopedia provides an in-depth look at tea’s global influence. From its cultivation in the fields to its transformation into various tea types, this encyclopedia covers everything you need to know about tea’s history, varieties, and brewing methods. Especially for those just beginning to venture into the tea world, this book provides an essential resource for those who want to learn about tea from a global perspective.
3. The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jeffries
This is the only novel in this list (believe me, it's brilliant), and it weaves a compelling story set against the backdrop of tea plantations in colonial Sri Lanka. It offers readers a glimpse into the life of a tea planter’s wife during the early 20th century, and the stories explore the complexities of love, betrayal, and the tea industry’s impact on personal lives. It's unforgettable.
4. Tales of the Tea Trade by Michelle Comins and Rob Comins
A collection of stories from the world of tea, Tales of the Tea Trade offers insights into the people and history behind—you guessed it—the global tea trade. It touches on the challenges faced by tea traders and the enduring cultural significance of tea, and is absolutely perfect for those interested in the stories of the individuals who continue to shape the tea industry.
5. The Art and Craft of Tea: An Enthusiast’s Guide to Selecting, Brewing, and Serving Exquisite Tea by Joseph Uhl
From selecting high-quality tea leaves to mastering the art of brewing, The Art and Craft of Tea is an invaluable resource for tea enthusiasts, and is another great example of a starter book. Due to its thickness and high-quality images, this is also one of the best in this list for those who want an epic tea-table book.
6. Tea History, Terroirs, Varieties (Third Edition is best) by Kevin Gascoyne
Kevin Gascoyne’s detailed examination of tea’s history and its terroirs (including the environmental factors that influence tea cultivation) provides tea drinkers with a deeper understanding of where their tea comes from and how it is shaped by the environment. This edition of Tea History, Terroirs, Varieties is essential for those interested in the finer details of tea production and the impact of geography on tea flavour profiles.
7. Infused: Adventures in Tea by Henrietta Lovell
Infused: Adventures in Tea chronicles Henrietta Lovell’s journey through the world of rare teas. As the founder of the Rare Tea Company, Lovell—one of our competitors, but still an epic storyteller regardless—brings readers along on her global travels, tasting teas from remote regions and uncovering the stories behind them.
8. Puer Tea: Ancient Caravans and Urban Chic by Jinghong Zhang
This book takes you on a journey through the world of Pu'erh tea, a unique fermented tea that has become an urban sensation worldwide. Zhang delves into the history of Pu'erh, tracing its journey from the ancient tea caravans that transported it across treacherous mountain passes to Tibet, Southeast Asia, and beyond, making it the perfect book for those interested in the cultural significance of this tea and its vital role in the economy and society of ancient China.
9. The World Atlas of Tea by Krisi Smith
The World Atlas of Tea by Krisi Smith and the founders of Bird & Blend (another competitor but we move) takes readers on a global tour of tea, exploring the diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions that shape the world’s most beloved beverage. With a focus on the origins of various teas and the stories behind them, the book delves into the different tea-growing regions and offers a variety of tea-based recipes.
10. The Tea Book by Linda Gaylard
Linda Gaylard’s The Tea Book is an excellent introduction to the world of tea, working as a comprehensive guide to tea’s history, practical advice on how to brew the perfect cup, and pretty much everything in-between. Gaylard’s approachable writing style makes this book ideal for beginners who want to dive into the world of tea in a clean, easy way.
11. Tea Sommelier by François-Xavier Delmas and Mathias Minet
This was one of the first tea books I ever read, and I still adore it. Written by two tea experts, Tea Sommelier is a detailed guide for those looking to deepen their tea knowledge, delving into the world of tea tasting, food pairings, and the art of serving tea like a professional. With practical tips and expert insights, it’s an essential resource for anyone looking to take their tea experience to the next level.
12. The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura is quite different from the other tea books I've mentioned. Originally published in 1906, this is a philosophical work that delves into the cultural and spiritual significance of tea, particularly in Japan. Unlike books focused on the history, cultivation, and recipes of tea, Okakura’s book explores tea as a way of life, offering insights into the Zen principles that are deeply intertwined with Japanese tea ceremonies.
13. Tianxia Culture. Tea Ceremony Classroom, Nine Introductory Lessons on Chinese Tea Science by Cai Rongzhang
Sadly, this and the next book are only available in Chinese—but they may be available in English by the time you read this. This book provides an incredibly detailed introduction to the Chinese tea ceremony and the science behind it, and is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning the nuances of Chinese tea culture. Personally, I needed it for my Taiwan tea exam and ended up cherishing it.
14. Oolong Tea by Chen Huantang and Lin Shiwei
As the rather simple title suggests, Oolong Tea offers a comprehensive look at this particular tea type. The authors, both tea experts, explore oolong tea from every angle, covering its cultivation, processing, and the flavours that make it so unique. For those seeking to understand oolong tea on a deeper level, this book is a must-read.
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