The True History of Tea
The True History of Tea
Victor H. Mair · first published 2009 · ISBN 9780500251461
A sinologist and a tea specialist trace the plant from its origins through its spread across Asia and beyond, correcting a good deal of received legend along the way. Scholarly but readable, and the etymology sections are genuinely fun.
On our lists
The Best Books About Ethnobotany
Mair and Hoh trace tea from its origins across Asia and correct a great deal of inherited legend on the way. A good demonstration of what careful ethnobotanical history looks like.
The Best Books About Tea
A sinologist and a tea specialist follow the plant out of its origins and across Asia, correcting received legend as they go. Scholarly without being airless, and the etymology is a pleasure.