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4.3 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A well researched text on Chinese Tea Culture., Oct 27 2011
By Edward Alexander Gerster "miamibooks" - Published on Amazon.com
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This review is from: Ancient Art Of Tea (Hardcover)
Drawing heavily on new translations of ancient Chinese texts, the author has created a little gem in this book on Tea. It is clearly organized in a natural progression, taking the reader through a brief history of tea, to the Art of Tea, and on to the components necessary to produce it. These discourses by various scholars and tea masters are followed by chapters on Tasting Tea and Tea Etiquette which truly bring to light the philosophical and social outlook that is unique to China, and in fact still can be found today. The closing chapter on Refinement in Tea touches briefly on the Tea House and Environments created for tea, but this area alone could encompass another book all on its own.The addition of a central photo section is nicely done, and the appendices are short but useful. Overall, a wonderful little book that should appeal to both those interested in Chinese Tea culture, and those interested in ancient China. Highly recommended.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The one book you have to have on Chinese tea, Dec 22 2011
By Søren M. Chr. Bisgaard - Published on Amazon.com
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This review is from: Ancient Art Of Tea (Hardcover)
As a tea drinker all my life, and the last 35 years spent in Kyoto, Japan, studying and propagating the Japanese tea ceremony, I have researched all available literary sources on not only Japanese tea and tea culture, but tea in general in all its aspects, and not least tried to find reliable information on Chinese tea in English. I have travelled in China since 1983 and visited many tea producing areas, research institutes etc., and I have participated in tea appreciation and everything else connected to tea in China. There is a vast literature as well as DVD's on tea in Chinese, both in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, but very little truly authoritative and to the point in English. With the increasing Western interest in fine Chinese teas this deplorable situation will certainly change.I cannot express my delight in reading Warren Peltier's very fine, comprehensive and sensitive translations with accompanying interpretations and well researched commentaries of some of the many writings of imminent Chinese tea masters on the various important points concerning tea through the ages in China. There is of today no other such source of information available in the English language and Warren Peltier's contribution to the lovers of fine Chinese tea cannot be over estimated.
The Ancient Art of Tea, is not only very well researched, it touches on all the most important points from both a historical and a modern practical point of view of how to brew a perfect cup of tea for achieving that exulted state of mind, that through the ages has inspired philosophers, poets, artists and everyone else and given them a sense of sublime being in peace and harmony with nature.
The translations and text is supported with very valuable notes and not least, the original Chinese characters for not only words and expressions, but often whole poems and quoted texts, something, that for the serious student of Chinese tea and the culture surrounding it is of absolute importance in providing true understanding. This feature alone places this book at the very peak of non-Chinese literature on Chinese tea.
Warren Peltier's serious approach and thorough work is most admirable, his love of his subject and no doubt enjoyment of innumerable cups of fine tea, gives him not only a firm scholarly foundation but clearly an overspilling passion for Chinese tea that is captivating. I, for one, cannot wait to have the next of his several promised books in hand.
This small well ordered and concise book, contains so much more than many other larger volumes and therefore has my warmest recommendation for all tea lovers.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true treasure for those seeking a more profound understanding of tea!, Dec 22 2011
By R. Stephen Moore - Published on Amazon.com
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This review is from: Ancient Art Of Tea (Hardcover)
"The Ancient Art of Tea" (2011) by Warren Peltier is a true treasure, especially for those seeking a more profound insight into the many facets of tea as related to the cultural and asthetic values of ancient China. However, the insights gained from reading this wonderful little book far transcend the ancient into the present day tea drinking world beyond the bounds of Asia.As a tea connoisseur, as well as a student of Chinese language and culture, I found this book to offer wisdom, especially to the westerner, that is scarce to find elsewhere in the English language. I particularly enjoyed learning about the artistic orgins of tea, and the five different names or characters listed by Lu Yu, author of the "Classic of Tea" during the Chinese Tang Dynasty (581-907 CE). For instance, besides the most common name of "cha", which also refers to early picked tea, there is the less common name of "ming", which refers to late picked tea, and the name of "jia" which refers to any bitter tea (pages 25-26).
Other meaningful insights were gained into a much better understanding regarding the importance of water. The relationship to Daoism is brought to light when the author draws upon the ancient wisdom of Zhuang Yuan as revealed in "The Record of Tea" during the Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). I especially like the metaphysical analogy refering to tea as the "essence" of water, while water is the "substance" of tea, with water being the "yin" element and tea being the "yang" (page 54).
Another element making Peltier's book such a delight is a section of beautiful ancient artwork, coupled with artistic photograhy of Chinese characters, tea in its varied forms, and some handsome examples of utensils and ceramics utilized in the presentation and serving of the delicious beverage.
My only criticism comes from being an English tutor, and should not discourage anyone from adding this book to their library. However, the book contains many split infinitives ("to be" verbs incorrectly separated by an adverb), including the very last sentence of the book. If these grammatical errors were to be remedied, then I would have no criticism to offer. Still, this book stands out as a wonderful accomplishment, teeming with ancient wisdom that can be learned and applied today to make better tea connoisseurs of us all. As such, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in a more in depth cultural history of tea.
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