The Book of Tea

By Kakuzo Okakura,

Book cover of The Book of Tea

Book description

Now available in a gorgeous hardcover slipcase edition, this "object d'art" will be sure to add grace and elegance to tea shelves, coffee tables and bookshelves. A keepsake enjoyed by tea lovers for over a hundred years, The Book of Tea Classic Edition will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Book of Tea as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Okakura links Taoist and Zen philosophy to the tangible world by way of the aesthetics of tea, which are actually the aesthetics of life itself.  The title of this slim volume is disarmingly understated, then. It is the most approachable book on aesthetics I know.

From Kevin's list on Japanese aesthetics.

Anyone interested in tea should own a copy of Kakuzo’s book and should read it regularly. The inspirational pages talk about the spirit of tea, the philosophy, and the art of tea as part of life. Kakuzo calls tea the ‘cup of humanity’ and talks of ‘teaism’, which he explains as ‘a cult founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence”. His moving words explain that an appreciation of tea leads us to live our lives more kindly, valuing democracy, morality, empathy, and an understanding of others. His thoughts are so well crafted and…

From Jane's list on tea and tea history.

Want books like The Book of Tea?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Book of Tea.

Browse books like The Book of Tea

Book cover of Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties
Book cover of Tea: A History of the Drink That Changed the World
Book cover of Tea Horse Road: China's Ancient Trade Road to Tibet

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,355

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in tea, aesthetics, and Taoism?

Tea 43 books
Aesthetics 65 books
Taoism 39 books