Tea is deeply rooted in history, culture, and philosophy. For centuries, it has accompanied people, evolving while remaining true to its essence. Those who seek to not only drink tea but understand it will find in these books a gateway to its origins, rituals, and journey across centuries and continents.
These works reveal tea as a craft, a tradition, and a path.
1 | The Book of Tea – Kakuzō Okakura
Tea as an Art Form
A classic of Japanese tea culture, Kakuzō Okakura’s work blends Zen, Taoism, and aesthetics with the philosophy of tea. He shows that tea is not merely prepared—it is lived, in silence, in the appreciation of imperfection.
Tea is an art and a path – a religion of everyday life.
2 | Cha Jing – Lu Yu
The Classic of Tea – The Classic Book of Tea (8th century)
The Roots of Tea Culture
The oldest surviving book on tea. Lu Yu describes tea varieties, preparation methods, water quality, and cultivation techniques that still shape today’s tea traditions. His knowledge influenced generations, laying the foundation for tea as a craft.
"Without the Cha Jing, there would be no tea culture as we know it today."
3 | The Story of Tea – Mary Lou Heiss & Robert J. Heiss
Tea as a Journey through Landscapes and Cultures
This book takes readers on a journey through the world’s major tea regions. The authors speak with tea farmers, observe processing techniques, and explore how soil, climate, and altitude shape a tea’s flavor.
Includes tasting notes and deep insights into terroir and craftsmanship.
4 | The Essence of Tea – Daniel Reid
Tea as a Way of Life
Daniel Reid views tea not just as a drink but as an integral part of a mindful lifestyle. He blends traditional knowledge of tea’s effects with modern insights—covering everything from the importance of water to tea’s role in meditation.
"Tea is a mirror of what lies within us."
5 | Liquid Jade – Beatrice Hohenegger
The History of the World in a Cup of Tea
Tea has shaped trade routes, connected cultures, and influenced political decisions. This book traces its long journey—from the first tea trees in China to British tea houses and modern global tea culture.
One of the most comprehensive historical explorations of tea.
Tea as an Experience
These books offer a deeper perspective on tea, showing how it has evolved over centuries, the significance it holds in different cultures, and the way it shapes both thought and action.
The Art of Tea Preparation – Water, Time, Temperature