As the world''s second most popular beverage after water, tea has fascinated, awakened, motivated, and calmed us for well over two thousand years. A History of Tea tells the compelling story of the rise of tea in Asia and its eventual spread to the West and beyond. From the tea houses of China''s ancient Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the tea ceremonies developed in Japanese Zen Buddhist temples, to the current social issues faced by tea growers in India and Sri Lanka, this fascinating, newly updated book explores the complicated history of this unassuming drink. It illuminates the industries and traditions that developed from the spread of tea throughout the world and explains how tea is produced into the many varieties people drink each day. It also features a quick reference guide on subjects such as proper tea terminology and brewing. Whether you prefer green, black, white, oolong, chai, Japanese, Chinese, Sri Lankan, American, or British tea, every tea aficionado will enjoy reading A History of Tea to learn even more about one of our most celebrated beverages.