The Book of Tea - Kakuzo Okakura

The Book of Tea

By: Kakuzo Okakura, Bruce Richardson (Introduction by)

Hardcover | 20 June 2011

At a Glance

Hardcover


$40.50

or 4 interest-free payments of $10.13 with

 or 

Aims to ship in 10 to 15 business days

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. A beautiful work of art in tribute to a beautiful work of art. - Norwood Pratt, San Francisco For those of us who, for years, have loved and been influenced by Okakura's prose and philosophy, this new edition brings fresh insight and clarity to the work. With sensitivity, admiration and profound appreciation for Okakura, Bruce Richardson unravels the complex and intriguing story that lies behind the original Book of Tea. All tea lovers will treasure this beautiful and valuable work. -Jane Pettigrew, London I had read about Okakura and visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, but never realized the importance of the relationship between the two and how they embodied the bridge between East and West. Nor, until now, had I taken the time to read the entire book. How I wish that I had read it before I visited Japan where I learned that -Zen is another word for tea.- The chapter titled The Cup of Humanity contains a sentence that seems ripped from today's headlines, -The heaven of modern humanity is indeed shattered in the Cyclopean struggle for wealth and power... Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea.- I'm resisting the urge to swallow this book whole, and forcing myself to savor it one cup of tea at a time. -Elizabeth Knight, author of -Tea with Friends-

Other Editions and Formats

Paperback

Published: 3rd January 2009

Paperback

Published: 10th November 2013

Paperback

Published: 1st February 2012

Paperback

Published: 27th January 2011

Paperback

Published: 20th October 2020

More in Oriental & Indian Philosophy

The Golden Road : How Ancient India Transformed the World - William Dalrymple
Ikigai : The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life - Hector Garcia
The Art of War & Other Classics of Eastern Philosophy : Leather-bound Classics - Sun Tzu
The Golden Road : How Ancient India Transformed the World - William Dalrymple
The Heart of Yoga : Developing a Personal Practice - T. K. V. Desikachar
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Swami Satchidananda
Meditations : The Philosophy Classic - Marcus Aurelius

RRP $24.95

$23.75

Tao Te Ching : Traditional Wisdom - Stephen Mitchell
No Mud, No Lotus : The Art of Transforming Suffering - Thich Nhat Hanh
The Tao of Pooh 40th Anniversary Gift Edition - Benjamin Hoff
Lao Tzu : Tao Te Ching - Ursula K. Le Guin

RRP $27.99

$26.50

Karma : A Yogi's Guide to Crafting Your Destiny - Sadhguru