A Little Tea Book - by Sebastian Beckwith & Caroline Paul (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

From tea guru Sebastian Beckwith and New York Times bestsellers Caroline Paul and Wendy MacNaughton comes the essential guide to exploring and enjoying the vast world of tea.

Tea, the most popular beverage in the world after water, has brought nations to war, defined cultures, bankrupted coffers, and toppled kings. And yet in many ways this fragrantly comforting and storied brew remains elusive, even to its devotees. As down-to-earth yet stylishly refined as the drink itself, A Little Tea Book submerges readers into tea, exploring its varieties, subtleties, and pleasures right down to the process of selecting and brewing the perfect cup.

From orange pekoe to pu-erh, tea expert Sebastian Beckwith provides surprising tips, fun facts, and flavorful recipes to launch dabblers and connoisseurs alike on a journey of taste and appreciation. Along with writer and fellow tea-enthusiast Caroline Paul, Beckwith walks us through the cultural and political history of the elixir that has touched every corner of the world. Featuring featuring charming, colorful charts, graphs, and illustrations by bestselling illustrator Wendy MacNaughton and Beckwith's sumptuous photographs, A Little Tea Book is a friendly, handsome, and illuminating primer with a dash of sass and sophistication. Cheers!

Review Quotes

"There's nothing precious or pedantic about a delightful new book that celebrates Camellia sinensis, better known as the tea plant. Written by tea aficionado Sebastian Beckwith, with San Francisco author Caroline Paul, A Little Tea Book: All the Essentials From Leaf to Cup packs as much as a flavorful cup of dark, floral Himalayan black tea . . . accompanied by cheery illustrations by San Francisco artist Wendy MacNaughton." - San Francisco Chronicle

"Steeped with knowledge, facts, and commentary, Sebastian's book is a wonderful read and resource for anyone who has ever enjoyed a cup of tea. He has been instrumental in guiding us through the vast world of tea over the years and this book truly shows his unrivaled passion." - Daniel Humm, James Beard Award-winning chef/co-owner of Eleven Madison Park

"Like Sebastian himself, this humble book is a wealth of knowledge. Everything you ever wanted to know about tea--from leaf to label and everything in between--is planted in these pages." - Dan Barber, James Beard Award-winning chef/co-owner of Blue Hill

"Mr. Beckwith [is] an engaging, unpretentious and encyclopedic tea maven" - The New York Times

" 'Pioneer, ' 'iconic, ' and 'amazing' were some of the words used by fellow tea freaks to describe Sebastian Beckwith . . . a foremost authority on tea." - Fast Company

"Sebastian Beckwith is to tea as Julia Child was to French cooking." - Well + Good

"Beckwith travels the globe to find the very best, visiting small farms in China, Taiwan, and India, among other locales." - Food Arts

About the Author

Sebastian Beckwith is a preeminent tea authority and co-founder of In Pursuit of Tea, a purveyor of fine teas from around the world to some of the finest restaurants in the country. He divides his time between New York City and Connecticut.

Caroline Paul is the New York Times bestselling author of The Gutsy Girl and Lost Cat. She lives in San Francisco.

Wendy MacNaughton is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and The Gutsy Girl. She lives in San Francisco.