Did you know that the plain-looking bags you use to brew a steaming mug of tea are steeped in fascinating history?

This simple drink has caused wars, been smuggled, been the drink of the elite and even resulted ship races across the globe! This book describes the journey tea has taken, from ancient Chinese rituals to an everyday staple drink.

Other topics covered are the health aspects of tea, how it is produced, its chemical properties and how it is traded around the world. This book is an ideal leisure read, but also perfect for course work and presentations.

This series, for children aged 9+, delves deep into the long and interesting histories of the foods that have shaped our world.

• 1: What is tea?
• 2: The production process
• 3: The birth of tea
• 4: The Japanese tea ceremony
• 5: Tea comes to Europe
• 6: Is tea healthy?
• 7: The tea trade
• 8: Taxes and smuggling
• 9: The Boston tea party
• 10: Customs and rituals
• 11: Tea clippers
• 12: The tea bag
• 13: The modern world
• 14: Timeline
• 15: Glossary
• 16: Index