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Tea: A Global History
The captivating history of the world’s most adaptable beverage
Tea is sipped, whisked, boiled, iced, flavoured, spiced, mixed with milk and sugar, or enjoyed with salt and butter across various geographies. It is an essential element of both ceremony and leisure in various cultures – a universal symbol of harmony and hospitality.
But do not be deceived by its unassuming appearances, food historian Helen Saberi warns us – tea has a rich and vivid history steeped in ritual and religion, adventure and enterprise, smuggling and revolution, literature and social change. From its legendary beginnings in China to the role of India in bringing this prized plant to the world; how it came to symbolize the American pursuit for independence, and finally, the myriad varieties of tea being cultivated everywhere from Argentina to Zimbabwe today – tea has truly established itself as a binding global cultural force.
This concise volume maps the evolution of tea-drinking and hospitality, tracing the history of its trade along ancient caravan routes, its arrival in the West aboard clipper ships, the various traditions around tea gardens, teahouses, tea dances and the British afternoon tea, the invention of tea bags and iced tea, and the newest addition to this marvellous legacy – the bubble tea. With vivid illustrations and recipes from around the world, Tea is a rejuvenating treat for curious minds.
Tea is sipped, whisked, boiled, iced, flavoured, spiced, mixed with milk and sugar, or enjoyed with salt and butter across various geographies. It is an essential element of both ceremony and leisure in various cultures – a universal symbol of harmony and hospitality.
But do not be deceived by its unassuming appearances, food historian Helen Saberi warns us – tea has a rich and vivid history steeped in ritual and religion, adventure and enterprise, smuggling and revolution, literature and social change. From its legendary beginnings in China to the role of India in bringing this prized plant to the world; how it came to symbolize the American pursuit for independence, and finally, the myriad varieties of tea being cultivated everywhere from Argentina to Zimbabwe today – tea has truly established itself as a binding global cultural force.
This concise volume maps the evolution of tea-drinking and hospitality, tracing the history of its trade along ancient caravan routes, its arrival in the West aboard clipper ships, the various traditions around tea gardens, teahouses, tea dances and the British afternoon tea, the invention of tea bags and iced tea, and the newest addition to this marvellous legacy – the bubble tea. With vivid illustrations and recipes from around the world, Tea is a rejuvenating treat for curious minds.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 11, 2025
📍Book Tour Stop
At the beginning I assumed I was in for a light historical read. But this little book turned out to be an unexpectedly rich blend equal parts history, culture, and travel.
From the first page, it’s clear this isn’t just a book about tea it’s an invitation to explore how tea has touched so many corners of the world in so many different ways. What surprised me most was just how global and layered the journey was. You think you know tea and then you realise there’s an entire world in your cup.
The structure of the book is simple but elegant with so many beautiful pictures. It begins where tea does China and from there we travel through Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and beyond. I loved how Saberi doesn't linger too long in any one place, but offers just enough to give you a sense of each region’s unique tea culture.
I found myself especially drawn to the stories from India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Maybe because these aren’t always highlighted in mainstream "tea tales", it felt like discovering a quieter, deeper part of the story one that I personally connected with and were my favourite parts.
And then, just when you think it’s all about history and tradition, the book gently steers you into the kitchen with a handful of beautifully simple recipes. Not the overwhelming kind these are the kind that make you smile and say, “I could try that this weekend.” Iced Tea, spiced chai, tea cocktails!
One of my favourite things about this book is that it feels like a slow afternoon. You don’t rush through it. You sip. You pause. You underline a line. You flip back to reread a passage. It’s meditative in the way tea itself is.
Thank you
@panmacmillanindia, for nudging me towards this lovely little gem and for having me on #EdibleSeriesReadathon . It reminded me that a book doesn’t have to be loud to leave a lasting warmth it just has to be brewed right.
So definitely order a copy for yourselves and check out this culinary epicness!
At the beginning I assumed I was in for a light historical read. But this little book turned out to be an unexpectedly rich blend equal parts history, culture, and travel.
From the first page, it’s clear this isn’t just a book about tea it’s an invitation to explore how tea has touched so many corners of the world in so many different ways. What surprised me most was just how global and layered the journey was. You think you know tea and then you realise there’s an entire world in your cup.
The structure of the book is simple but elegant with so many beautiful pictures. It begins where tea does China and from there we travel through Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and beyond. I loved how Saberi doesn't linger too long in any one place, but offers just enough to give you a sense of each region’s unique tea culture.
I found myself especially drawn to the stories from India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Maybe because these aren’t always highlighted in mainstream "tea tales", it felt like discovering a quieter, deeper part of the story one that I personally connected with and were my favourite parts.
And then, just when you think it’s all about history and tradition, the book gently steers you into the kitchen with a handful of beautifully simple recipes. Not the overwhelming kind these are the kind that make you smile and say, “I could try that this weekend.” Iced Tea, spiced chai, tea cocktails!
One of my favourite things about this book is that it feels like a slow afternoon. You don’t rush through it. You sip. You pause. You underline a line. You flip back to reread a passage. It’s meditative in the way tea itself is.
Thank you
@panmacmillanindia, for nudging me towards this lovely little gem and for having me on #EdibleSeriesReadathon . It reminded me that a book doesn’t have to be loud to leave a lasting warmth it just has to be brewed right.
So definitely order a copy for yourselves and check out this culinary epicness!
December 31, 2025
This book is a concise yet engaging exploration of one of the world’s most influential beverages. Despite being a short read, the book offers a rich overview of tea’s journey from its origins in 6th-century China to its status as a global cultural, political, and economic force.
Saberi traces how tea began as a medicinal drink used for concentration and relief from fatigue, before evolving into a daily habit and a valuable commodity. A key strength of the book lies in connecting tea to major historical and political developments across regions such as China, India, Iran, Turkey, and Europe. The discussion of historic trade networks—such as the Tea–Horse Road and the Great Tea Route between China and Russia—effectively shows how tea shaped long-distance trade, diplomacy, and empires.
Beyond economics and politics, the book highlights the cultural and ritual significance of tea, from Chinese marriage customs to social traditions across Asia and the West. Illustrated content, a glossary, and a thoughtful collection of tea-related recipes further enhance its appeal, making it both informative and enjoyable.
Overall, Tea: A Global History serves as an accessible and well-researched introduction to the global story of tea. It is ideal for readers interested in history, culture, and global trade—and for tea lovers curious about how a humble leaf came to influence the world.
Saberi traces how tea began as a medicinal drink used for concentration and relief from fatigue, before evolving into a daily habit and a valuable commodity. A key strength of the book lies in connecting tea to major historical and political developments across regions such as China, India, Iran, Turkey, and Europe. The discussion of historic trade networks—such as the Tea–Horse Road and the Great Tea Route between China and Russia—effectively shows how tea shaped long-distance trade, diplomacy, and empires.
Beyond economics and politics, the book highlights the cultural and ritual significance of tea, from Chinese marriage customs to social traditions across Asia and the West. Illustrated content, a glossary, and a thoughtful collection of tea-related recipes further enhance its appeal, making it both informative and enjoyable.
Overall, Tea: A Global History serves as an accessible and well-researched introduction to the global story of tea. It is ideal for readers interested in history, culture, and global trade—and for tea lovers curious about how a humble leaf came to influence the world.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews