Excerpt from the front cover:

 

The mystery of tea has been celebrated for centuries. In this stunningly beartiful exploration of all things tea, hundreds of lush photgraphs across five continents capture the essence of one of the world's purest and most ancient delicacies.

 

Discover how the familiar yet mysterious tea leaf evolved and transformed throughout the centuries, from its medicinal origins in China to the modern infusions of perfumes in the West. Captivating stories and sumptuous images depict the varied rituals of tea drinking in diverse cultures, and a selection of recipes explores the wide-ranging possiblities of cooking with tea. A worldwide guide lists more than 100 specialty tea merchants and tea rooms in Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and North America. Opulent and informative, Tea introduces readers to the art of the professionals with an official tasting vocabulary and detailed charts of the 32 grands crus teas, including Sencha, Darjeeling and Earl Grey.

 

This lavish volume offers a comprehensive guide to both the cutlrual and scientific properties of this universal beverage- from the nuances of the legendary Japanese tea ceremony to the complexity and nature of the terroir where each  varietal is grown.