William Ukers' tale of how humanity acquired its favorite habit first attracts us, then absorbs us and casts a spell over us as it teaches us. He regales us, in his quaint way and measured tones, with a little-known epic romance - how the whole world loved drinking tea.

In this work, first published in 1936 by Alfred Knopf, the author describes the legendary and true origins of tea, the spread of its use as a beverage, the romantic trade that grew up around it, its introduction to Europe and the changes it brought about in European social and economic life. Ukers concludes with the numerous tributes to tea which occur in literature, art and music.

America's tea sage James Norwood Pratt now introduces a new generation of teaists to this legendary tea pioneer with this annotated and expanded edition which is sure to delight anyone whose daily life is infused with the ritual of tea.