The Tea Cyclopedia: A Celebration of the World's Favorite Drink

by Keith Souter

Tea drinking has become a way of life. To put it frankly, it is a love, an addiction, and some would even go as far to say a philosophy. Dr. Keith Souter examines the perpetual impact that this adored beverage has bestowed upon the world for centuries, from its mystical origins in the East, to its inevitable influence on the West. The Tea Cyclopedia is an indispensable reference for anyone interested in all things tea. Commencing each chapter with insightful quotes, it not only captures the historical beginnings of this beloved drink, but also explores tea's involvement in politics, health, the economy, and even fortune-telling. This unprecedented beverage has united people in times of adversity; it has also divided nations, causing volatile revolutions, such as the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Boston Tea Party. But today you will most likely find that various cultures have developed their own unique style of enjoying tea, and the ritual of tea drinking itself is not only intriguing, but also highly rewarding.   

In this meticulously detailed guide, readers will rediscover tea, its cultivation, and all of its richness and intricacy as a worldwide beverage. The Tea Cyclopedia is an enthralling tribute to the illustrious, invigorating, and elusive leaf that has vehemently continued to inspire people for more than two thousand years.

Genres: Tea, Food, Nonfiction, History, Cookbooks, Cooking, Food and Drink

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Keith Souter is a part time doctor, medical journalist and writer. He writes general non-fiction, books on medicine and health and novels in 4 genres.

He lives in Yorkshire within arrow-shot of the ruins of a medieval castle, the setting for two of his historical crime novels - THE PARDONER'S CRIME and THE FOOL'S FOLLY.

His latest novel THE CURSE OF THE BODY SNATCHERS published by G-Press is the first in series of The Adventures of Jack Moon. Aimed at 8-13 year olds, it is a spooky tale set in Victorian London.

Keith is represented by Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors http://www.creativeauthors.co.uk

G-Press and Golden Guides Press http://www.goldenguidespress.com/_/Bo...

Blogs
http://theadventuresofjackmoon.blogsp...

http://west-uist-chronicle.blogspot.c...

Reviews

[Frank Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was mixed. The first third that discussed tea (as opposed to tea culture) was excellent, but much of the remainder was quite poor. As a Physicist, I was appalled that someone could publish this book while stating things that were utterly false. A simple Wikipedia search would have provided the author with the information required! Two items were particularly appalling. The author referred to Archimedes and his discovery (Archimedes principle), but states it incorrectly showing that neither he, nor any of the editors had any idea of the simple Physics involved. Shortly after that portion of text, the author stated that 1 1/3 pounds was more than a kilogram. How can someone write this in a published book! This is primary level science that is incorrect. Finally, the final section on tea divining I thought was inappropriate in a book that is pretending to be scientific. Thus, I can only recommend the first third of the book.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, almost as much as I love tea in fact. It is packed full of tea-based information from its history and origins to its journey around the world and its importance in many historical and literary events. Souter also provides a whole section on tea-based experimentations, which I'm yet to try but it won't be a long wait before I do. The whole book is also easy to read, managing to avoid going into too much of the nitty gritty while without short-changing the reader. An excellent little book, I am so glad I discovered this gem.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
this book is such an informative book especially for someone who loves tea, it described the history, the process of each tea, the tea ceremony in different countries, the tea brewers, they also include a few recipes to make a few special drinks with tea as the ingredient. we also can read the benefit of each tea to human health.

[Sarah Brousseau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 76/55: The Tea Cyclopedia: A Celebration of the World's Favorite Drink by Keith Souter. I finished this delightful read with a nice cup of Jasmine Green tea. Full of interesting information after I recently finished a book about coffee. It covers a little bit of everything which i enjoyed and all in all, recommend if you are curious of various traditions and ways tea have been used.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved learning about tea, but this book failed to entertain me as much as I'd hoped. Oh well. I'll just have to return to my tea for that.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tea Cyclopedia earns 5/5 Brewed Delights...Enjoyable Facts & Tastes!

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!

[Bodil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really looked forward to reading this book, but after finishing it I don’t really know what to think. There is a lot of information on many aspects of tea, but apart from the pleasing vignettes at the beginning of every chapter there are no illustrations. Instead the author has to explain in words what a gaiwan is or how to play cat’s cradle, just to take two examples. Even when a picture only says less than fifty words it may make it so much easier to understand for the reader. There are several errors in the book, for example conversions between different units are plain wrong, Archimedes’ principle is explained (or rather not explained ) in a way that makes no sense even for the point the author is trying to make and Baroness Orzy is referred to as ‘he’. The book finishes with a long chapter on tasseography (how to tell the future by looking on tea-leaves in a nearly empty cup), while the previous chapter on tea in literature is only a few pages! And despite that this mainly deals with detective novels there is no mention of Laura Child’s series of ‘tea shop mysteries’, which, whatever one thinks of them, would surely merit their place here.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, a nice introduction but not quite as thorough a guide to tea as "The Story of Tea". It may be less intimidating in terms of sheer information though and I enjoyed some of the trivia I hadn't found in other books, particularly the section about tasseography and beliefs/superstitions concerning tea. Gives a quick introduction to the different classes of tea and their production. Wasn't sure how I felt about use of the word "fermented" in regards to tea production but this was also addressed and clarified in the book. Good resource for the average reader wanting to enhance their tea knowledge, but if you read a lot or do a lot with tea already some informatoon may not be that new to you.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy a cup of tea this is the book for you. I learned more history of US tea party than was ever in the text books. About that happened before and all the wars and armed conflicts over tea.

It has the history of tea, where it is grown and the different kinds. It tells you how to brew tea.Also the medical and chemical use. You will also find a few tests you can conduct in your kitchen.

For me a lover of tea it is going to take reading this book more than once to grasp all of it. I never had a chemistry class but was able to follow along on that chapter. But at my age not much of it sticks.

A good reference book to keep handy. It is worth your time to read. It took me longer than a novel because it is so complete even how to tell fortunes with the tea leaves in a cup.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly as advertised.. a bit of an encyclopedia for tea! The narratives were short and quickly informative, leaving me for a desire to dive into each of the subjects further. And also, to drink a TON of tea. I made it through two cups of tea while enjoying this quick read.

Four stars, because it's more of a reference than an actual sit-down-and-enjoy-a-read book. I'd almost want to buy a copy to peek at when needed, rather than just reading all the way through as a book from the library.

Definitely a great, informative read.

[Bryan Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've drunk far too much tea to know as little about tea as I do, so this book was a welcome and informative tour of the subject. Divided into three parts, I felt the first - the history of tea - the second - ways that tea is served around the world, and the first half of the third - health benefits of tea - were all useful and said enough without saying too much. However, a far too long and ill-conceived final chapter on tasseography seemed like the author's odd attempt to up the page count and added nothing at all to the final product.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very thorough book about all aspects of tea. It looks at everything from the way teas are processed to the history of teapots to cultural uses of tea. There's even a very thorough chapter on reading tea leaves.

I loved this book because I love history, culture, and tea so for me it was everything I hoped to find in one package. The writing was very engaging. The research was very thorough and there are great references at the end.

[Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

a very thorough book on tea, as the title suggests. at times it felt like a lot of real estate was given to topics only marginally relevant to tea. i enjoyed the first third of the book the most, and found myself skipping through other parts. the writing style was very straightforward with little style or memorable qualities — it made me sleepy at times. i would highly recommend Liquid Jade over this one, it has a lot of the same facts but told in a more entertaining manner.

[A.M. Reynwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This nifty little book is full of comprehensive information on the subject of tea. Each section and chapter focuses on a different aspect, like history, science (with cool experiments), etiquette, etc. I learned some neat things, and will definitely be referring back to it in the future. If tea is your jam, I would recommend giving this a read.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of information about tea you didn't know you would be interested in. The first half of the book is really interesting but the second part with the experiments and tea reading was a bit drawn out.

[Stacy Milacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I drink tea constantly and I love history, so this was a great book for me.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and educational book about my favourite drink.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough

This book is well written and very thorough. The author delves into the origin and evolution of tea as a beverage and other uses.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good info overall, would have liked illustrations in the tea leaf reading chapter.

[Goob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable introduction into most aspects of tea. serves as an excellent primer

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

It takes someone with the "Dr." attached to his name to spread old wives tales.

[Thea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, mostly easy to read

[Dakota D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read-- short, sweet, and to the point. I appreciate the author's perspective as a physician and scientist, which lends a very unique perspective to the culture of tea. I tend to prefer a heavy emphasis on history and culture and it's impact on tea, and this book wasn't as deep as I would've wanted. Also, the author is from Scotland (I believe) so there was a strong influence and emphasis on European (primarily English) tea culture, and I would much rather hear about more about the Asian traditions over the imperialist empire's which only developed through horrific capitalist expansion. Overall, a short, simple book, but worthwhile.

[Sangeeta Borkar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Other people seemed to enjoy this book but I thought it was kind if boring. I expected it to be more about different types of teas and herbs etc and it was more about "tea in history." There were a couple good chapters that mention good experiments you could do with children and one recipe that sounded like it would be worth making. It just wasn't what I expected, but to each his own. I skipped the last chapter on reading tea leaves bc it freaks me out.....

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think you know a lot about tea? Well, think again! This book gives lots of interesting facts about the perennial drink we all enjoy! I learned a ton of facts and found lots of lovely recipes inside this book. So if you like tea, I highly recommend this fascinating book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's some nifty information on this book, but it lacks, hmm, rigor? It's fluffy, rather than a really fascinating book, and it at times goes on with pages of dull description - and not an illustration in sight. >:/

[Bryan Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tea facts from history and places

There's a smattering of tea history, lore, etiquette, and trivia. Good in providing a general overview of culture around tea, now and in other places and in history.