Book Review: Empire of Tea, The Asian Leaf That Conquered the World

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Tea Time.  Nothing brings to mind such a peaceful scene as the thought of an English Tea.  I've been to my fair share of formal and informal teas here in the United States, but one of my dreams is to someday have a high tea - in England, and a cozy tea in some wonderful little country inn somewhere in the countryside.

Think about those tiny little leaves.  Dried leaves, that we steep in hot water and drink.  You can pick some up at the supermarket, or, if you know what you're doing, you can blend your own combination from leaves you pick yourself.  It all seems so idyllic and simple, doesn't it?

But is it really?

The history of the tea leaf is a fascinating look at the history of the world.  While I was reading this book, I was reminded in many ways of the Spice Empire in the Dune books written by Frank Herbert.  The politics surrounding tea are fascinating.

From the simple leaf that was cultivated, steamed, dried, and then eventually brewed into a warm concoction in Ancient China to the powerhouse that drove the East India Company.  The "discovery" of the New World by the Europeans was driven by the desire to find a shorter route to the East, ostensibly for the spice trade.

Tea is featured prominently in so much of World History, but it has become such an ordinary staple on our tables now that we tend to forget what a powerful geopolitical force tea has been.

Come, be reminded of the power of the tea leaves.  Renew your acquaintance with the history of a simple little leaf - and how that little leaf has driven the course of history.