For those who have read Tea Shop for Two, you may recall that, while learning to work at Claire’s Tea Shop, Todd had to study Claire’s bible of teas to learn more about each type of tea. While Claire’s personal bible of teas does not exist outside of the realm of the Love on Belmont series,  plenty of books in the real world offer a glance into the complex world of tea. Curious to learn more about tea and become a tea connoisseur? Let’s move oolong to nine splendid books about tea!

Jane Pettigrew’s World of Tea by Jane Pettigrew

The first book is Jane Pettigrew’s World of Tea. Jane Pettigrew is a tea specialist, historian, and writer from the United Kingdom. She has written 17 books and is currently the Director of Studies at the UK Tea Academy.

In Jane Pettigrew’s World of Tea, she looks at over 60 different tea-producing countries. She dives into the local tea rituals, manufacturing process, history, and more of each location. Filled with gorgeous, full-colour pictures and rich with information, Jane Pettigrew’s World of Tea is a must read for anyone interested in tea.

The Art of Tea from the editors of Victoria Magazine

From the bimonthly women’s lifestyle magazine, Victoria, comes the book The Art of Tea: Recipes and Rituals.

They divided the book into sections that make it easier to navigate. The first section covers basic essentials, meaning even a tea novice can pick up a copy of this book and enjoy what it offers.

Other sections include recipes for treats to serve with tea, presentation tips for tea parties, a celebrations section with inspiration for planning holiday events, and a travel section that highlights the editors’ favourite tea destinations around the world.

This fully photographed book guarantees to make your guests feel like royal-tea!

A Social History of Tea by Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson

A Social History of Tea: Tea's Influence on Commerce, Culture & Community explains how a simple beverage shaped Western culture in a story spanning nearly four centuries.  

Written by Jane Pettigrew and American Tea Master, writer, and historian Bruce Richardson, fans of both tea and history will find this book fascinating.

The World Atlas of Tea by Krisi Smith

In The World Atlas of Tea: From the Leaf to the Cup, the World's Teas Explored and Enjoyed, Krisi Smith attempts to cover everything a tea lover would need to know to appreciate all forms of tea in this four-part book.

Part one is tea basics and covers the growing and harvesting process of tea. Part two is about how to brew and keep tea, while part three discusses blending and infusions. The fifth part comprises country profiles that describe a country’s tea history.

This impressive book is filled with full-colour photographs and illustrations, and is the perfect book for those interested in the process of tea from crop to cup.

Tea by Kevin Gascoyne, François Marchand, Jasmin Desharnais, and Hugo Américi

Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties takes readers on a global tour of tea-growing countries to look at the growing and producing habits of different countries. It includes an overview of the history of tea, information on the tea trade worldwide, a look at tea families and grades, and interviews with industry personalities.

Teatime Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth

Teatime Around the World may be the most unique book on this list because it’s a children’s book!

Designed for ages four to eight, Teatime Around the World is a lyrical picture book that takes readers on a journey around the world to discover new cultures through tea. The book makes learning fun through vibrant illustrations, interesting facts, and poetry. Even adults would find this book an enjoyable look at tea!

If you’re a parent wanting to learn more about tea, or hoping to raise a future teaholic, check out Denyse Waissbluth’s one-of-a-kind book.

The Story of Tea by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss

Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss spent their life encouraging tea drinkers to turn away from tea bags (just like Claire!) and embrace loose leaf tea. The Story of Tea is one of four books the two wrote before retiring.

The Story of Tea begins in China, where tea cultivation began. It then follows the history of tea to Japan, India, and beyond. The Heisses also provide a guide on tasting and brewing, look at the customs associated with tea, and share research on the health benefits of the beverage.

The New Tea Companion by Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson

The New Tea Companion: A Guide to Teas Throughout the World serves as a reference book for tea lovers, with details on hundreds of different teas. Each entry in the book describes a tea and includes steeping tips along with illustrations and photographs.

As the official textbook for the Canadian Tea Sommelier Certification course written by two respected industry professionals, this gorgeous book is the perfect resource for tea drinkers.  

The Art and Craft of Tea by Joseph Wesley Uhl

The last book on this list is The Art and Craft of Tea by Joseph Wesley Uhl. Wesley Uhl travelled to Asia to deconstruct the myths the Western world has about tea. He used the knowledge he gained to return to his hometown in Detroit and share a different story about tea.

The Art and Craft of Tea is a book about the story of tea. It includes tea history, traditions, and possibilities. It also features descriptions of global brewing techniques and ideas for DIY tea blends.

Books for Those Who Love Tea

Each of these books about tea is an excellent read that introduces you to the intricate and colourful world of tea. If you are passionate about tea, grab a cup from a local tea shop, pick up one of these books, and immerse yourself in the story of tea!