Overall, interesting. However, there were some grammar/editing issues that stood out. The use of "affair" instead of "affected" which happened several times. Insufficient spelled "insuYient". It could just have been the book I had (borrowed from the library) but this should have been better edited. Poor editing is a huge turnoff for me. ( )

I LOVED this book! It gives a wonderfully comprehensive history of tea, its significance, and how it spread throughout the world. Learning how tea was used as medicine, an aid in meditation, a currency, and essentially catalyzed the opium wars was all so fascinating.

The book is laid out so you can read it from beginning to end, or jump around to whatever might interest you. This makes it really easy to read in smaller chunks, but if you read it from beginning to end with few breaks, be prepared for a little bit of repetition.

My favorite parts of the book are the appendices. Unlike most other appendices, which generally contain summaries of research and bibliographic information, these appendices contain things like how to brew the perfect cup of tea, where the best teas come from, what tea is best for what time of day, and a lot more fun stuff. Also included in the middle of the book are a plethora of wonderful illustrations and color photographs.

Highly recommended for tea enthusiasts and those interested in international trade history. ( )