The tea ceremony affects nearly every aspect of Japanese culture, thought, and life. This is a hardcover gift edition of the bestselling book that introduced Western audiences to the ancient tradition. First published in 1906, it traces the custom from its roots in Taoism to its role as a Zen meditative discipline.
The Book of Tea (1906) is a book-length essay by Okakura Kakuzō. Connected to the author’s overall project of celebrating Japanese culture and emphasizing the role of the East in creating the modern world, The Book of Tea is considered a classic work on the subject. His description of chadō, or teaism, remains incredibly influential in England and around the Western world. “[Teaism] insulates purity and harmony, the mystery of mutual charity, the romanticism of the social order. It is essentially a worship of the Imperfect, as it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life.” Part philosophy, part history, The Book of Tea explores the role of tea in shaping the arts and culture of Japan, China, and the world. Beginning with an investigation of the historical uses of tea, Okakura reflects on the specific techniques of tea brewing, the connections between tea and religion, and the interconnection of tea and the creative arts. Informative and meditative, The Book of Tea is an essential work for tea drinkers everywhere. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Okakura Kakuzō’s The Book of Tea is a classic of Japanese literature reimagined for modern readers.
Written in English by a Japanese scholar in 1906, ""The Book of Tea"" is an elegant attempt to explain the philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, with its Taoist and Zen Buddhist roots, to a Western audience in clear and simple terms. One of the most widely-read English works about Japan, it had a profound influence on western undertsanding of East Asian tradition.
What's hot? It's tea, in all its delicious and dizzying varieties! Steep yourself in this Little Black Book of Tea: The Essential Guide to All Things Tea, offering a brisk, full-bodied look at tea varieties and grades, teas of the world, and brewing basics, with recipes for tea drinks and accompaniments. A book for any tea aficionado!
The Book of Coffee and Tea is a passionate guide to selecting, tasting, preparing, and serving the beverages caffeine connoisseurs can't live without. Written by acknowledged experts in the coffee-roasting and tea-importing business, this book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about that beloved cup of joe (or orange pekoe), including how to: distinguish between Kona, Jamaican, Mocha, Java, and the other varieties of coffee; choose the method of brewing that's best for you; make the perfect cup of coffee at the ideal temperature, no mater which method you choose; recognize ginseng, oolong, Earl Grey Ceylon, and the myriad other types of tea; blend and prepare your own herbal teas at home; recognize quality and freshness; find the best coffee, tea, equipment, and accessories, using the completely updated mail order section. Rich with the lore, steeped in tradition, and brimming with expert information, this is the only book coffee and tea lovers will ever need.
The Great Book of Witchcraft' stands as a monumental anthology, assembling the works of notable authors whose tales, essays, and analyses span a broad spectrum of styles and perspectives on witchcraft. From the historical to the supernatural, this collection transcends simple narrative to explore the complex tapestry of myth, legend, and fact surrounding one of history's most intriguing subjects. The anthology features a diverse array of pieces, including highly regarded essays and groundbreaking studies, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the cultural, social, and literary significance of witchcraft through the ages. The variety within this collection demonstrates the multifaceted ways in which witchcraft has been interpreted and understood, cementing its place as a subject of endless curiosity and scholarly interest. The authors contributing to this anthology, such as Bram Stoker and Margaret Murray, bring with them a wealth of knowledge and differing perspectives that enrich the collection's exploration of witchcraft. Their backgroundsranging from novelists to historians to anthropologistsensure that the anthology is not merely a collection of stories, but a scholarly exploration that aligns with various historical, cultural, and literary movements. This unique blend of voices and insights offers a nuanced understanding of the theme, highlighting the evolving perceptions of witchcraft and its impact on society throughout history. 'The Great Book of Witchcraft' is an essential read for anyone interested in the diverse interpretations and cultural significance of witchcraft. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the thoughts and works of some of the fields most influential figures, all within a single volume. This anthology not only serves as an educational tool for scholars and enthusiasts alike but also welcomes readers into a rich dialogue between differing viewpoints, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of a subject that has fascinated humanity for centuries. For its breadth of insights and contribution to the discourse on witchcraft, this collection is a must-have for both academic and personal libraries.
A compact connoisseur's guide, with recipes, to today's cutting-edge array of chocolates and chocolate makers from former Chez Panisse pastry chef David Lebovitz. In this compact volume, David Lebovitz gives a succinct cacao botany lesson, explains the process of chocolate making, runs through chocolate terminology and types, presents information on health benefits, offers an evaluating and buying primer, profiles the world's top chocolate makers and chocolatiers (with a whole chapter dedicated to Paris alone!), and shares dozens of little-known factoids in sidebars throughout the book. The Great Book of Chocolate includes more than 50 location and food photographs, and features more than 30 of Lebovitz's favorite chocolate recipes‚ from Black-Bottom Cupcakes to Homemade Rocky Road Candy, Orange and Rum Chocolate Mousse Cake to Double Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies. His extensive resource section (with websites for international ordering) can bring the world's best chocolate to every door. A self-avowed chocoholic, Lebovitz nibbles chocolate every day‚ and with The Great Book of Chocolate in hand, he figures the rest of us will too.