The Art and Alchemy of Chinese Tea

Book excerpt: The fine art of preparing and drinking tea has become a hallmark ofChinese civilization. In his latest book, Daniel Reid explores Chinesetea in its manifold varieties, its long and colorful historicaldevelopment in China, and the fine art of preparing and drinking it, atradition handed down through the agesby monks and martial artists,and emperors. He describes the principles that lie at the heart oftea culture in China, the potent medicinal properties of Chinese tea,and how to cultivate Cha Dao, the Daoist way of tea, in daily life.Illustrated with many photographs by Christan Janzen, the book containsdetailed descriptions of many Chinese tea varieties, as well asentertaining tea anecdotes from the author's 'Tea Tidings'bulletin, and a useful glossary of Chinese tea terms.