Six Nonfiction Books for the Tea Enthusiast

Tea: History, Terroirs, and Varieties

• Authors: Kevin Gascoyne, Francois Marchand, Jasmin Desharnais, owners of The Camellia Sinensis Tea House in Montreal, Canada
• Publication Date: Third edition, 2018
• This book is on the most “best of” lists, and it does not disappoint.
• According to the authors: This exceptionally comprehensive reference to the Camellia Sinensis plant – tea – guides you through China, East Africa, India, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam to visit the world’s greatest tea growers and producers. [This book] describes how, like wine, the exciting variations in the taste and experience of tea are rooted in the soil, climate and altitude where it grows. The expert authors introduce the six families of tea, where they originate and how they are grown; describe how to prepare the perfect cup of white, black, wulong, Pu er, yellow or green tea; and describe the deep history and cultural traditions of tea. They provide fresh insight into the leaf’s many health benefits and provide gourmet recipes that use tea to its greatest advantage.
• What others say:
  • The second edition of this book won “Best Tea Book” at the World Tea Awards in 2014.
  • This [book] serves as an excellent reference for anyone interested in the detailed study of tea.
  • For those looking to dive deep into the intricate world of tea, Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties is an essential read. . . . Whether you’re a budding tea sommelier or just curious about the origin of your favorite brew, this book will expand your knowledge.
  • It has an amazing chapter on tasting tea. . . This book has a very nice tasting guide with a flavor wheel included . . . advanced learning for the tea aficionado.
  • TeaTime Magazine called Tea "the reference work we've been waiting for."
  • Library Journal praised Tea as a "definitive guide to tea (that) will appeal to die-hard tea enthusiasts."
  • Tea House Times found Tea "impressive, well researched, and complete."
  • A gorgeous and detailed guide to the tea terroirs of the world. Well researched and expertly presented, this is the ideal “coffee table” (or should we say “tea table”?) book. 

World of Tea 

• Author: Jane Pettigrew
• Publication Date: 2018
• According to the author: From the cool, rainy climate of Northern Ireland to the benign sunshine of Tasmania, camellia sinensis is now cultivated in more than 65 countries around the world. [This book’s] exploration of tea farming and manufacturing reveals the care and dedication of all those who nurture this remarkable plant to offer us an infinite choice of wonderful teas.
• What others say:
  • This book was awarded “Best New Product” in the Publications and Books Category at the World Tea Expo in 2018.
  • Jane Pettigrew's World of Tea explores more than 60 tea-producing countries, explaining their history, terroir, variety of cultivars, manufacturing processes, types, local tea culture, and rituals.
  • If you are ready to take your tea knowledge to the next level, dive into "Jane Pettigrew’s World of Tea". . . . Become a real tea connoisseur and enjoy your cuppa on a whole new level.
  • Featuring detailed maps and beautiful full-color photography on every page, Jane Pettigrew's World of Tea is the only guide to tea you'll ever need.

The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide

• Authors: Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss
• Publication Date: 2007
• According to the authors: Whether it's a delicate green tea or a bracing Assam black, a cup of tea is a complex brew of art and industry, tradition and revolution, East and West. In this sweeping tour through the world of tea, [this book] chronicles tea's influence across the globe and provides a complete reference for choosing, drinking, and enjoying this beverage. It begins with a journey along the tea trail, from the lush forests of China, where tea cultivation first flourished, to the Buddhist temples of Japan, to the vast tea gardens of India, and beyond. Offering an insider's view of all aspects of the tea trade, [this book] examines . . . the tea bush and shows how subtle differences in territory and production contribute to the diversity of color, flavor, and quality in brewed tea.
• What others say:
  • It was nominated for a James Beard Book Award and an IACP Cookbook Award and also won Best Tea Book in the USA from the Gourmand Awards and a bronze for Best Tea Book in the World in 2008.
  • [The authors] take on tea in its multilayered complexity. Encompassing history and modernity, fact and lore, they have laid out as complete a book on the tea plant and beverage as has been published. . . . The firsthand experiences shared in this work underpin their obvious love for all things tea, all around the world.
  • With the publication of this encyclopedic and generously detailed guide, we now have a reference to consult for the what, where, when, who, how, or why of any tea. Reading [this book], we get caught up in the mysteries and traditions of tea growing and processing.
  • Tea is as much about culture as it is about flavor. Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss, co-founders of Tea Trekker, bring you a cultural exploration of tea in “The Story of Tea.” They provide insights into the diverse traditions, rituals, and ceremonies surrounding tea, making this book a captivating read for those who want to delve into the cultural dimensions of tea.
  • Many people call this the bible of tea books. And it is.
  • A beautifully illustrated and comprehensive book that does not disappoint.

This book is not without its criticism in terms of poor organization, lack of depth in the history discussion, and some inaccuracies, especially in their discussion of caffeine. In the author’s defense, the latter subject is one we understand more thoroughly now than we did when they wrote this book.

Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea 

• Author: Michelle Francl
• Publication Date: 2024
• This is a new entry into the market and so will not be found on any “best of” lists. It began when the author’s [an American chemistry professor] suggestion to add a pinch of salt to a cup of tea to counter its bitterness caused a bit of uproar and caught the attention of both the U.S. Embassy in London and the Cabinet Office of the UK. See this post for more information.
• According to the author: Tea is the world’s most popular beverage. Dive into a cup of tea with a chemist and discover the rich molecular brew that can be extracted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea contains over a hundred different chemical compounds which contribute to its color, taste and scent – and its stimulating effects. The best-known is caffeine, but how does caffeine end up in tea, and how can you get it out? Beginning with the leaves, Steeped explores the chemistry behind different styles of tea, from green teas to pu-erh. It tackles the age-old question of when, or even whether, to add milk. It also puts the chemistry to use with advice on how to brew a better cup.
• What others say:
  • Like many good teachers, Francl scaffolds her knowledge with sip-sized summaries to go along with some of the deeper dives into the molecular world of tea.
  • Professor Francl has written an important book - one that delves deep into the complex chemistry of tea yet is written in an accessible and enjoyable manner. In a field that is all too often filled with less-than-accurate pseudo-science, this book is a breath of fresh air. It has earned an instant place of respect in my tea library. Bravo!
  • Entertaining, the author has a humorous and comprehensive view of tea. As an educator, she brings in cultural and historical perspective to leaven (sic) the book for readability. It reads well in terms of pace and being interesting enough to keep one's attention through to the conclusion.

The Social History of Tea: Tea’s Influence on Commerce, Culture & Community

• Authors: Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson
• Publication Date: 2015
• According to the author: [The authors] chronicle the fascinating story of tea’s influence on British and American culture, commerce and community spanning nearly four centuries. Follow tea's amazing journey from Canton to London, Boston and beyond as [they] weave a fascinating story detailing how the leaves of a simple Asian plant shaped the culture and politics of both the United Kingdom and the United States.
• What others say:
  • Here is history as it should be written. In a spell-binding way, the story skips merrily along while seeming to skip nothing; it moves quickly but never seems to hurry. Any lover of quaint and curious lore will spend happy hours taking instruction from these authors.
  • It is said that every story has two sides, and in the case of A Social History of Tea, there is the English side, as told by Jane Pettigrew, and the American side, as recounted by Bruce Richardson. Together, they cover more than five centuries of tea’s influence on both continents, as well as its Asian origins.
  • Perfect for the person who loves history and tea.
  • A selection … authored by two of the tea world’s most respected experts. The primary focus is on British and American tea history. The chapters are helpfully organized by century, making it easy to use as reference material. Everything was very well-researched and backed up by an extensive bibliography.
  • A Social History of Tea - the Expanded Version - is an excellent tea reference book as well as a good read. Bruce Richardson and Jane Pettigrew have a way of writing a history book that is up-to-date and upbeat in tone. They never fail to please. The book isn't just another pretty face although the cover is quite beautiful. A Social History of Tea gives us insight into the growing influence of tea upon society.

Tea: A Users Guide

• Author: Tony Gebely
• Publication Date: 2016
• According to the author: Tea: A User’s Guide is the most up-to-date and factual guide to specialty tea. This volume presents an extensively peer-reviewed framework for navigating the world of tea whether you are just embarking on your tea journey or whether you have been drinking tea your entire life. In this book, you’ll discover how tea is grown and processed, how so many tea products are derived from a single species of plant, what chemical changes occur in tea leaves during processing, how 130 famous teas from around the world are classified, and how to expertly prepare and evaluate tea.
• What others say:
  • Drinking tea is such a relaxing experience. There is much more to that tea than knowing the perfect steep time. Tea has a rich history. This book will teach you not only about the history but also how to prepare and evaluate different varieties. You may even learn some fun facts that you never knew before.
  • If you’re looking for a well-organized reference book that covers the fundamentals of tea, “Tea: A User’s Guide” by Tony Gebely is a must-read. Gebely’s expertise shines through as he delves into topics such as tea types, production, and brewing methods, all while keeping the reader engaged with his enthusiasm for tea.
  • If you load the software, ignore the user’s guide, and regret never fully utilizing its features, you need to read this book. Tea is as complex as you make it—many dunk and run, but if you savor the nuances of specialty tea and want to really immerse yourself, this book contains the most thoughtful and detailed insights of any Western author.