The world boasts myriad teas, most of them lying undiscovered by Western cultures still rooted in the view that tea comes from a tissue bag at breakfast or 4pm. The World Tea Encyclopaedia aims to shed light on this wealth of variety and to debunk the snobbishness and doctrine that can scare off newcomers from the joys of tea connoisseurship. For almost 20 years, Will Battle has been tasting teas and creating blends for tea lovers all over the world. He has lived and worked alongside tea producers in Asia and Africa, visiting hundreds of tea gardens and gaining unparalleled expertise in the process. Here, he gives an in-depth look at the wealth of teas on offer to everyone who loves to steep, infuse and brew. Through intuitive categorisation by taste, the book will help enthusiasts navigate the sometimes complex world of tea terminology to find a tea that suits them. It will educate, inspire and feed a new world of tea-drinking enjoyment and opportunity. The knowledge to upgrade the tea bag, to know what to seek online, to brave a journey to the local tea shop, to submit to curiosity and jump into a world of discovery, or better still: to visit the countries and people that lovingly produce it... The World Tea Encyclopaedia lifts the lid off the teapot and allows readers to peer inside. Containing beautiful images, the most detailed maps yet created for the world of tea, and in-depth exploration of tea-producing countries, it will transports readers into the world of the tea garden, showing them that there is life beyond a discount tea bag. Readers will also find out more about camellia sinensis – the tea bush and the hero of this book. Will Battle takes a look at the origins in which it grows, the landscapes and climate that influence it and the artisans who craft it – and how it all comes together to make a delicious cuppa: surely the only drink to enjoy with this delightful, detailed book, perfect for all tea fans and enthusiasts.

The world boasts myriad teas, most of them lying undiscovered by Western cultures still rooted in the view that tea comes from a tissue bag at breakfast or 4pm. The World Tea Encyclopedia aims to shed light on this wealth of variety and to debunk the snobbishness and doctrine that can scare off newcomers from the joys of tea connoisseurship.

Originally published in 1903, this is an excellent source for an historical perspective on superstitions and folklore. Hundreds of entries are arranged alphabetically within broad subject categories. The original subtitle reads: "A comprehensive library of human belief and practice in the mysteries of life through more than six thousand years of experience and progress including the fundamental intuitions and instincts underlying the structure of civilization, theology, mythology, demonology, magic, witchcraft, esoteric philosophy, signs, omens, oracles, sorceries, auguries, divinations, prophecies, methods and means employed in revealing fortune and fate, systems and formulas for the use of psychical forces, hypnotism, clairvoyance, telepathy, spiritualism, character reading and character building with all the known powers and wonders of mind and soul, illustrated with numerous ancient and modern designs and thoroughly indexed."

From the Indian Mutiny to the London Blitz, offering a ‘nice cup of tea’ has been a stock British response to a crisis. But tea itself has a dramatic, and often violent, history. That history is inextricably interwoven with the story of Scotland. Scots were overwhelmingly responsible for the introduction and development of the UK’s national drink, and were the foremost pioneers in the development of tea as an international commodity. This book reveals how Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon and Africa all owe their thriving tea industries to pioneering work by Scottish adventurers and entrepreneurs. It’s a dramatic tale. Many of these men jeopardised their lives to lay the foundation of the tea industry. Many Scots made fortunes – but it is a story with a dark side in which racism, the exploitation of native peoples and environmental devastation was the price paid for ‘a nice cup of tea’. Les Wilson brings the story right up to date, with a look at the recent development of tea plantations in Scottish hills and glens.

"No matter where you are in the world, you are at home when tea is served." -- Earlene Grey Tea has its very own significance in every consumer’s life. However, above all, tea represents enjoyment, the ritual of preparation and the appreciation of the moment. In this sense, tea creates hospitality and peace, tea brings people together to talk and to make time for each other. Tea needs time, tea spends time. In this pioneering book featuring hospitality embraced by tea culture, you will read of fascinating tea ceremonies, impressive tea china and comfortable tea houses as well as different national and regional tea-related habits in European countries. Nearly 50 contributions provide unique insights -- Samowars in the East, Dresmer blue porcelain in Germany, tulip glasses in Turkey and around, silver tea pots in Great Britain and, many more. The first tea plantations in Portugal or Georgia are discussed, as well as tea in arts, tea events, tea flavoured signature products, tea pairing and, impulses for entrepreneurship and education. Tea Cultures of Europe is written for tea lovers, educators and students, as well as industry practitioners (tea sommeliers, tea masters) and entrepreneurs.