The Book of Tea
Product ID: 29655922
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The original 1906 edition of The Book of Tea is one of the classic texts found on the desks of artists, poets, teaists and Zen Buddhists around the world. The book has been re-designed and expanded for a contemporary audience. You will discover the fascinating character of Okakura Kakuzo and the story of how he came to write one of the twentieth century’s most influential books on art, beauty, and simplicity—all steeped in the world’s communal cup of tea. His incredible journey took him from Yokohama to New York, Paris, Bombay, and Boston, where his life intertwined with such luminaries as Rabindranath Tagore, John Singer Sargent, Henry James, John La Farge, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Ezra Pound, and Henri Matisse. His writings influenced the work of such notable artists as Frank Lloyd Wright and Georgia O'Keeffe. American tea writer Bruce Richardson includes many historical photographs and illustrations in this updated edition of Okakura’s classic text, along with unique insight into how Okakura's philosophy continues to inspire today’s tea culture. Plus, Richardson includes an all-new chapter on America's thirst for Japanese tea during the late 1800s, illustrated with archival photographs. Review: A Remarkable Book in the Perfect Format - I love hardbacks, and the quality of this edition is spectacular. I love the book itself, but with the addition of a superb forward providing a detailed context for the author and his life, as well as an informative afterward describing the early tea industry in Japan, it was even better than expected! Review: Beautiful book. - A beautiful new edition of a classic.
| Best Sellers Rank | #96,491 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #47 in Coffee & Tea (Books) #54 in Customs & Traditions Social Sciences #92 in Zen Philosophy (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 187 Reviews |
C**R
A Remarkable Book in the Perfect Format
I love hardbacks, and the quality of this edition is spectacular. I love the book itself, but with the addition of a superb forward providing a detailed context for the author and his life, as well as an informative afterward describing the early tea industry in Japan, it was even better than expected!
B**B
Beautiful book.
A beautiful new edition of a classic.
F**D
An open window into the tea gardens of Japan.
This is the second version of "The Book of Tea" I have owned. This version has some good photographs and an extensive introduction. This book is a must have for anyone with any level of interest in Taoism, Zen, Teaism, Tea, or Japanese culture and it's relations with the West. The writer also includes a chapter on art appreciation and flower arrangement, and the influence of Teaism on those particular arts, among others. Okakura Kakuzo was a wordsmith beyond poetic in his prose descriptions of the Orient. His observations about America and western ways are incisive and deep. There is a reason he is so revered by those who know.
K**B
an important moment in Art
Okakura Kakuzo was an important influence on the Gardner circle to this day and his insights brought a clarity to the movement toward the modern age and the wisdom of the past setting a precursor to the spirit of the modern soon to emerge at the Armory show. this book, only outwardly about tea, calls to the artistic spirit in all. a good edition of a timeless classic belonging in the library of every artist- though it will spend most of its time in studio, or at bedside.
A**U
It’s not a book about tea.
I’m interested in the influence of Japanese design on the Frank Lloyd Wright work. I found many interesting perspectives on the Japanese esthetic, but also on the Americans who were attracted to the Japanese art and helped build several collections in the IS.
R**C
Japan
Very informative and extremely interesting insight into the Japanese culture. I would definitely recommend this book.
C**Y
It's not just about a cup of tea!
A great book for anyone who enjoys learning more about the mingling of eastern and western cultures. Okakura made a statement in the Boston area, and he influenced many greats such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Georgia O' Keeffe. This book was a gift, and it surprised me, you can't judge a book by it's cover!
E**Y
The cover had an ink smeer on it.
When I buy a new book, I like it to look pristine. Instead, there was a smudge several inches long on the outside cover.
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