History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Afternoon Tea!
Nice book on English Tea
Good things do come in small packages
The Best Resource for Tradition as well as Recipes!
Best of 4

The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea
Helen Simpson
Manufacturer: William Morrow Cookbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0877958238

Book Description

Afternoon tea is the english meal-time institution, a social as well as a culinary event.

It is precisely this atmosphere which is embodied in the Palm Court Tearoom at the Ritz in London, which for many years has been one of the most delightful and traditional places to take tea.

The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea captures the essence of this traditional British occasion and provides the reader with all the Ritz expertize in the ceremony as well as over 50 recipes, illustrated with passages from Dickens to Oscar Wilde and charming drawings.

Customer Reviews:

Afternoon Tea!.......2007-05-12

what a great book! my idea of luxury is to attend afternoon tea in a great hotel-and now I can recreate some of the recipes (but not the harpist) at home. If you like tea, good food, and learning about creating a mood or an atmosphere for your guests, this little book is just great!

Nice book on English Tea.......2007-01-19

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a good starter book for those who would like to understand the ritual of English Tea and basic recipes of this time of day.

Good things do come in small packages.......2006-10-18

Lots of easy, great recipes. If for no other reason, you should buy this book just for the basic english muffin recipe and scone recipes.

The Best Resource for Tradition as well as Recipes!.......2006-08-09

A friend and I have recently begun taking tea and we love the true British and Victorian style of tea houses. I wanted to find a book for her that was a great resource on the history of afternoon and high tea as well as providing some recipes to go along with the information. This was the best book I found. No other goes into as much detail about the history of tea that this book does. The only downfall is that the only illustrations in the book are line drawings. There are no photos. Still, that didn't keep me from picking this book over several others that did have nice pictures, because in the end, the content of this book superceded any other.

Best of 4.......2005-01-05

I've recently bought 4 different tea books and this is the best one I have so far. There are a lot of the expected recipes for traditional tea time fare, with some minor omissions I felt. The print left something to be desired, some of it was blurred, but if you just want to buy 1 English tea book, this is it.

The Coffee Book: Anatomy of an Industry from Crop to the Last Drop, Revised and Updated Edition

Average customer rating:

Life's little pleasures!
Fascinating Book on History of Coffee
The Coffee Book: Anatomy of an Industry from Crop to the Last Drop, Revised and Updated Edition
Yawwwwwwn...
Boy, what a disappointment THAT was.

The Coffee Book: Anatomy of an Industry from Crop to the Last Drop, Revised and Updated Edition
Gregory Dicum , and Nina Luttinger
Manufacturer: New Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1595580603

Book Description

Revised and updated, a compact guide to the beverage that keeps us running.

A freshly updated edition of the best introduction to one of the world's most popular products, The Coffee Book is jammed full of facts, figures, cartoons, and commentary covering coffee from its first use in Ethiopia in the sixth century to the rise of Starbucks and the emergence of Fair Trade coffee in the twenty-first. The book explores the process of cultivation, harvesting, and roasting from bean to cup; surveys the social history of café society from the first coffeehouses in Constantinople to beatnik havens in Berkeley and Greenwich Village; and tells the dramatic tale of high-stakes international trade and speculation for a product that can make or break entire national economies. It also examines the industry's major players, revealing how they have systematically reduced the quality of the bean and turned a much-loved product into a commodity and lifestyle accoutrement, ruining the lives of millions of farmers around the world in the process.

Finally, The Coffee Book, hailed as a Best Business Book by Library Journal when it was first published, considers the exploitation of labor and damage to the environment that mass cultivation causes, and explores the growing "conscious coffee" market and Fair Trade movement.

Customer Reviews:

Life's little pleasures!.......2006-06-02

The coffee can cover attracted my attention, as did the handy take-to-cafe dimensions of The Coffee Book, plus I was pleasantly surprised by the contents. Not your usual non-fiction reader, the ample visuals helped hold my highly caffeinated short attention span. Learn more about your beloved legal stimulant and enjoy it even more!

Fascinating Book on History of Coffee.......2006-05-30

Fascinating book on the history of coffee, well written and style that flows makes the stories easy to follow . You find yourself winding through time and all the crazy social ramifications coffee has had on a variety of cultures - including European and American. Highly recommend for coffee drinkers curious to know how the cup of coffee they drink and today's coffee houses came into being.

The Coffee Book: Anatomy of an Industry from Crop to the Last Drop, Revised and Updated Edition.......2006-05-24

This is a must read for anyone who works with or loves drinking coffee. If you're looking for a crash course in the history, economics behind or current politics of the coffee industry, look no further!

Yawwwwwwn..........2004-01-07

I had hoped to read a thoughtful and measured history of coffee/the coffee trade. Instead, I found The Coffee Book to be heavy-handed, one-sided and didactic. Big Business Bad! Imperialism and Colonialism responsible for the Ills of the World! I had to force myself to finish it, and recently sold it for 50 cents at a garage sale. I feel a wee bit guilty; I think that the buyer paid too much...

Boy, what a disappointment THAT was........2003-06-05

Here I thought I was getting a book having something to do with coffee, all I got was a militant greenie screed against any business bigger than a lemonade stand.

Coffee makes rare and infrequent appearances in this book, which was written to reveal the evils of colonialism, how terrible slavery was, how underpaid Third World workers are, how awful America is in just about every way possible and to harrangue readers with straight doctrinaire party-line anti-business anti-WTO liberal international geopolitics. Coffee's just a stage prop for the authors' political rantings.

The authors clearly know nothing about coffee itself apart from the geopolitical ramifications of its trade as a commodity, what there is in the book pertaining to actual coffee is perfunctory, sketchy and cribbed from far better books.

Even on the book's real subject, which is to serve as a tract for liberal free-trade politics they can't get their facts straight. They mindlessly repeat the canards about Starbucks "imperialism" and how they're driving all independent shops out of business. Bushwa. Every study that's been done shows that wherever there's a Starbucks established, local coffee shops thrive and business for everyone goes up.

Book Description

Here is a lovely guide to hosting your very own Flower Fairy tea party. It includes decorations, invitations, ideas for food to serve, party outfits, games to play, and presents for your guests. Various fairies will lead you through each section of the book to make your tea party fabulous.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful book for hosting a fairy party.......2007-09-17

This book was very helpful in hosting my daughter's 6th birthday Fairy Party! It had wonderful ideas, invitations to punch out (although I had to photo copy to make more as it only came with 4), and a whole section on "manners" when hosting a fairy party. Out of the 3 books I bought on this subject this one was the most useful and my favorite.

Very little information.......2007-08-04

This book is beautiful, but not worth the price. It has very little information on having a fairy party. There is better, free information online.

Magical Book.......2007-02-15

I bought this as the companion book for Flower Fairies Tea Party theme at Birthday Express. I also bought Fairy Crafts: 23 Enchanting Toys, Gifts, Costumes, and Party Decorations & Sweet Pea's Garden: Special Things to Make. All of this combined to make my daughter's special day very magical. In fact, if I only had this book, and Sweet Pea's Garden, I still would have had everything I needed.

I admit the recipes aren't that original although I liked the idea of using peaches as little bowls for fruit salad. Martha Stewart has a great idea for a pixie party with a nice menu. And Fairy Food is a cute little cookbook by Rebecca Gilpin that might give you some ideas. I didn't buy this book for food ideas though and I loved it. This book is worth having just for the artwork! I taped a ziplock bag to the inside back cover to keep all the punch outs together. I plan on using this book again for many more parties. And I photo copied the invitations. There just weren't enough for all of my daughters guests. This book even touches slightly on a hostesses duties wich was perfect.

Wonderful, my daughter loves it........2006-01-26

While the book is indeed only 28 pages, that's hardly the point. Think of it as 28 pages of ideas and activites that will keep your child entertained for weeks. I am suprised that my daughter has managed to keep track of all the little pieces that came with the book. This book taught her this! She still reads/plays with this book after three months.

Book is just 28 pages.......2005-04-27

There are only 4 recipes, and those are far from original. And the entire book has only 28 pages!

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book: Over 500 Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, Drinks, And More

Average customer rating:

I use ONE recipe ALL THE TIME
Good Recipes for Ice Cream
Piss and moan
The Ultimate Ice Cream Book
Must cook before making ice cream

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book: Over 500 Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, Drinks, And More
Bruce Weinstein
Manufacturer: William Morrow Cookbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0688161499

Book Description

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book contains enough recipes to fill your summer days with delicious frozen desserts -- but after acquainting yourself with this book's hundreds of tempting concoctions, you'll want to use it every day of the year. With over 500 recipes, author Bruce Weinstein has put together the most comprehensive cookbook of its kind, covering just about every conceivable flavor of ice cream, sorbet, and granita; dozens of different recipes for shakes, malts, and other cold drinks; how to make your own ice cream cones; and toppings galore.

If you ever worried that you might not get full use out of your ice-cream maker, cast your doubts aside. Ice cream recipes feature such unusual flavors as lavender, chestnut, rhubarb, and Earl Grey tea. Even Weinstein's vanilla ice cream is anything but plain, with variations like Vanilla Crunch, Vanilla Rose, and Vanilla Cracker Jack. There is also a plethora of light, refreshing recipes for sorbets and granitas, with flavors like Apple Chardonnay, Coconut, and Kiwi. Top everything off with the author's recipes forhomemade sauces. Whether it's a special event or a midnight snack, The Ultimate Ice Cream Book has what you need to make any occasion a little sweeter.

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Customer Reviews:

I use ONE recipe ALL THE TIME.......2007-07-16

I really do like this book--I see all sides of the reviews (mostly). It's not sophisticated, or an "ice cream bible," but I've made a great majority of these recipes and have found I like them all! The one I consistently use as a jumping off point for many creative endeavors, is the "lower fat vanilla" with the sweetened condensed milk. Delicious!!!

Good Recipes for Ice Cream.......2007-07-15

This book is very thorough, well-organized, and easy to use. I like the diversity of recipes, although I find that the ones that came in the little brochure with my ice cream maker are the ones I use more often. (Because I think they are even easier.) I am glad I bought the book and get a lot of pleasure from its recipes.

Piss and moan.......2007-04-07

One half of the reviews whine about it not giving enough information rather than discuss it's merits for its target audience. So the complaints are not about the end products (which are marvelous), but making a bad decision. The blame one's own mistakes on the book approach. In the final analysis, the recipes are straight forward, interesting, and simple to produce.

The other half complain about the fact that there are many flavors a family would never create. True, but the title says 500 recipes -- what do you expect? 500 variations on vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate? With 500 recipes available, expect the mundane and the unusual. If your only concern is making something for the grandkids or the team, stick with the book that came with your maker. That being said, the final products are creative and generally delicious, depending of course on personal tastes.

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book.......2007-04-05

Now here's a BOOK! Great and unusual recipes. Many very easy, a few more complicated, but, hey, Ice Cream is serious business! Best book I have seen on the subject.

Must cook before making ice cream.......2006-11-24

I read the reviews and many people complained about the recipes having eggs in them. I thought that I could just omit the eggs and still have good ice cream. Well, I have owned the book for over a year and have yet to make a single batch of ice cream. All ice cream recipes must be cooked in advanced and then cooled. Probably 95% of them have eggs in them. While the recipes may be delicious (I don't know), it is far too much effort for me. I exclusively use the manual that I got with my ice cream maker and have played around with that instead. The author has some great ideas for unique types of ice cream and the sugar cone recipes are interesting as well, but I'll probably just donate this unused book to the library.

Average customer rating:

My Very First Tea Party
Bright, colorful, cute
A Christmas present
Adorable!!!
Sweet little book.

My Very First Tea Party
Michal Sparks
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 0736902430

Book Description

The clever and colorful Miss Honey B. Five shows little ones ages 0–3 how hearts fill to the brim when friends gather together for tea and good times.

Customer Reviews:

My Very First Tea Party.......2007-01-12

I purchased this for our three-year-old granddaughter and gave her a tea set also. The book is very simply written; young kids can easily understand it. I would say it's 5-star for 2-3-4 year olds. Might be too simple for older kids.

Bright, colorful, cute.......2007-01-11

The colors in the book are bright and vibrant, and my 3 year old loves it. It is small enough that we can take it anywhere, and it doesn't take up too much space in her backpack.

A Christmas present.......2007-01-10

This was a Christmas present for my 20 month old little girl from her grandparents. She enjoys playing with it and I know that as she gets older it will get alot of use. It is sturdy, pretty, and appropriate for little girls of different ages.

Adorable!!!.......2007-01-10

This book is absolutely adorable. I purchased it for my 18 month old neice and plan to buy another for my baby girl too. It is a really nice story with adorable illustrations. Durable and perfect for little hands. What little girl doesn't like a tea party?

Sweet little book........2006-12-31

Purchase a tea cart for our granddaughter & this book. What a special duo.

The Book of Tea: Revised and Updated Edition

Average customer rating:

Art Culinary, Historic, Photographic, and Legendary

The Book of Tea: Revised and Updated Edition
Alain Stella , Gilles Brochard , Nadine Beautheac , and Catherine Dozel
Manufacturer: Flammarion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 208030478X
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Book Description

Tea is a beverage with roots all over the globe, from English tearooms to the mountains of Tibet. This exquisitely illustrated volume leads readers on an investigation of the many faces of tea: a mythic plant, a ceremony, the cause of wars (remember the Boston Tea Party), and ultimately one of the world's favorite beverages. The Book of Tea provides a comprehensive history and background of the beloved ritual of tea, providing photographed accounts of tea farming, tea barons and, teatime, and capturing the various tastes and nuances of teas from around the world.

This book, based on the original Flammarion title The Book of Tea, is now edited and brought up to date.

This book acts as both a guide to the appreciation of tea and a travel guide to the regions responsible for the production of tea, including Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Anyone who loves tea will be delighted by the chance to delve into the magnificent photography and descriptive writing of The Book of Tea.

Customer Reviews:

Art Culinary, Historic, Photographic, and Legendary.......2006-03-28

THE BOOK OF TEA is in every way a superlative volume! Rarely has a topic as seemingly simple as tea resulted in a more comprehensive and fascinating excursion into the history of the leaf, of the myths and legends surrounding the leaf, the manner in which tea evolved as a drink, as a commodity, as an instigator for battles, and as a means by which gentility is measured.

Authors Alain Stella, Gilles Brochard, Nadine Beautheac, and Catherine Dozel have joined to provide essays on every conceivable aspect of the art of tea drinking and the results are a compendium of the influence of this popular drink in every part of the world where partaken, grown, and appreciated. The writing is skilled, informative, laced with both humor and intrigue, and fills in a lot of spaces in world history that haven't been explained as well in most other history overviews.

Couple these fascinating essays and forays with a wealth of old photographs of tea services from the most basic of cultures to the most elegant of formal tea parties, with drawings and paintings and prints that focus on the growth and art of tea, and then top it off with a series of new photographs by Marc Walter of contemporary settings of tea as still life and as celebratory images of tea plantations to tea in pots and cups, and you get an idea of how extensive this book is. The design of the book (from Flammarion) is stunning. This is a fine art book as well as a most informative resource about one of the staples of our civilization. Highly Recommended! Grady Harp, march 06

Average customer rating:

The Tao of Tea
History, Philosophy, Poetry, and Religion - All In A Cup Of Tea
The Philosophy Of Tea
Very highly recommended especially for students of Japanese culture and arts
Read and listen.....

The Book of Tea (Stone Bridge Classics)
Kakuzo Okakura
Manufacturer: Stone Bridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1933330171

Amazon.com

That a nation should construct one of its most resonant national ceremonies round a cup of tea will surely strike a chord of sympathy with at least some readers of this review. To many foreigners, nothing is so quintessentially Japanese as the tea ceremony--more properly, "the way of tea"--with its austerity, its extravagantly minimalist stylization, and its concentration of extreme subtleties of meaning into the simplest of actions. The Book of Tea is something of a curiosity: written in English by a Japanese scholar (and issued here in bilingual form), it was first published in 1906, in the wake of the naval victory over Russia with which Japan asserted its rapidly acquired status as a world-class military power. It was a peak moment of Westernization within Japan. Clearly, behind the publication was an agenda, or at least a mission to explain. Around its account of the ceremony, The Book of Tea folds an explication of the philosophy, first Taoist, later Zen Buddhist, that informs its oblique celebration of simplicity and directness--what Okakura calls, in a telling phrase, "moral geometry." And the ceremony itself? Its greatest practitioners have always been philosophers, but also artists, connoisseurs, collectors, gardeners, calligraphers, gourmets, flower arrangers. The greatest of them, Sen Rikyu, left a teasingly, maddeningly simple set of rules:

Make a delicious bowl of tea; lay the charcoal so that it heats the water; arrange the flowers as they are in the field; in summer suggest coolness; in winter, warmth; do everything ahead of time; prepare for rain; and give those with whom you find yourself every consideration.

A disciple remarked that this seemed elementary. Rikyu replied, "Then if you can host a tea gathering without deviating from any of the rules I have just stated, I will become your disciple." A Zen reply. Fascinating. --Robin Davidson, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

"A seminal guide to Asian life and thought. . . . Very highly recommended."- Midwest Book Review

The classic 1906 essay on tea drinking, its history, aesthetics, and deep connection to Japanese culture. Kakuzo Okakura felt "Teaism" could influence the world: "Tea with us becomes more than an idealisation of the form of drinking; it is a religion of the art of life."

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Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage. In China, in the eighth century, it entered the realm of poetry as one of the polite amusements. The fifteenth century saw Japan ennoble it into a religion of aestheticism - Teaism. Teaism is a cult founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence. It inculcates purity and harmony, the mystery of mutual charity, the romanticism of the social order. It is essentially a worship of the Imperfect, as it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life. The Philosophy of Tea is not mere aestheticism in the ordinary acceptance of the term, for it expresses conjointly with ethics and religion our whole point of view about man and nature. It is hygiene, for it enforces cleanliness; it is economics, for it shows comfort in simplicity rather than in the complex and costly; it is moral geometry, inasmuch as it defines our sense of proportion to the universe. It represents the true spirit of Eastern democracy by making all its votaries aristocrats in taste.

Customer Reviews:

The Tao of Tea.......2006-09-06

Kakuzo Okakura (1862-1919) was born in a Japan that had seen Commodore Perry but had not yet renounced the Shogunate. By the end of his life he had seen the Great War and Japan's first imperialistic military adventures in Korea and Manchuria that would culminate in the tragedy of the Second World War.

The scion of Japanese aristocracy, Okakura chose to spend the latter half of his life as an expatriate living in Boston, Massachusetts, where he befriended the Brahmins of that city. THE BOOK OF TEA was written in this period, sometime in the nineteen-oh-ohs. Written for an American audience, it eloquently introduced the Boston bluebloods to an idealized vision of Japan, the Japan of cherry blossoms, kakemono, and Chanoyu, the Tea Ceremony.

Reading THE BOOK OF TEA, one realizes that Okakura was not "selling" Japan to the West. THE BOOK OF TEA does not engage in any lacquer-box hucksterism. Rather, THE BOOK OF TEA is his paean to and his lament for a Japan of the virtues that was all-too-rapidly being consumed by Occidentally-intoxicated militarists and industrialists. THE BOOK OF TEA was written to banish the soot-stained chrysanthemums of Okakura's deepest nightmares.

Although this reviewer came to THE BOOK OF TEA expecting a manual on the Tea Ceremony, this book is nowhere so vulgar as that. Yes, a manual on the highly stylized Chanoyu has its place, but it's place is nowhere without this book which penetrates to the heart and soul of the ceremony. This reviewer can honestly say that THE BOOK OF TEA provided him with comprehension, a deeper insight, and a first true appreciation for Japanese art forms, so different than the European.

In its simplicity and its elegance, the Tea Ceremony is a form of Zen practice. Every element, from the atmosphere of the tearoom (called in Japanese "The Abode of Fancy," a world unto itself), the selection of the flowers, the artwork, the bamboo tea implements, the bright, sharp jade green macha tea, and the specially made jangling teapot and ceramic cups, speaks to an aesthetic foreign to the West. Okakura calls it "Teaism," a play on Taoism, and its purpose is to delight the senses, touch the heart, and place the participant fully in the present moment.

Shambhala Publications has presented THE BOOK OF TEA in a fine paperbound edition, the colors, typeset, and dimensions of which please the mind. Shambhala has also provided color photographs, in truth forms of abstract art, of the tea implements in use, that add a visual dimension to this already fine book.

History, Philosophy, Poetry, and Religion - All In A Cup Of Tea.......2006-09-05

This book was written around 1900, it seems, for those upper class ladies and gentlemen who delight in tea yet are ignorant of its artistic quality to life past and present.

I expected at least one receipe of Japanese tea unknown to the west but found not one blend but certainly a receipe for greater bliss, rapture with each cup. I found the missing ingredient in my tea - perspective.

This little book takes you through the history, the philosophy, the poetry, and the religion of tea.

The chapters are as follows:
-The Cup of Humanity
-The Schools of Tea
-Taoism and Zennism
-The Tearoom
-Art Appreciation
-Flowers
-Tea Masters

This book reads like poetry. There is a chapter called "Flowers" which gives you the perspective of a flower in the grasp of man. It challenges you to gain feeling, to become alive by admiring life.
"Tell me, gentle flowers, teardrops of the stars, standing in the garden, nodding your heads to the bees as they sing of the dews and the sunbeams, are you aware of the fearful doom that awaits you? Dream on, sway and frolic while you may in the gentle breezes of summer. Tomorrow a ruthless hand will close around your throats. You will be wrenched, torn asunder limb by limb, and borne away from your quiet homes. The wretch, she may be passing fair. She may say how lovely you are while her fingers are still moist with your blood. Tell me, will this be kindness? It may be your fate to be imprisoned in the hair of one whom you know to be heartless or to be thrust into the buttonhole of one who would not dare to look you in the face were you a man.

Like all the Shambhala classics, this book is spiritual. I hope you can read it and be forever changed. Next time I will taste with my spirit not my tongue.

The Philosophy Of Tea.......2006-09-04

Japanese green tea has recently been touted as health drinks having lots of nutrious ingredients including catechin and Teanin.

This book by the late 19th century artist Tenshin Okakura whose disciples include Daikan Yokoyama ,one of the painters who well describe the beauty of Mt. Fuji, is not about benefits of tea.

The book by narrating how the tea philosophy and ceremony tradition developed in Japan, tries to take us into the beauty of Japanese minds refined by Tea traditon of Japan and the lure of Budhisim or Taoism upon which the tea philosophy is based. One particular icon representing the tea religion is Rikyu Sen the very founder of the tea phlosophy in Japan. The scene of the death of Rikyu is just brilliantly written.

So for some Japanese tea is beyond health drinks. It is a way of our philosophical backbone.

Verdict: Excellent work describing what Japanese should be proud of
Rating: 90 out of 100 Some of the anecdotes are hard to come by unless you are highly educated.
Recommended for: Anyone who loves the beauty of Japan and Bushido fans.

Very highly recommended especially for students of Japanese culture and arts.......2006-04-03

Originally written a century ago, by the son of a samurai family who became an assistant curator to the Chinese and Japanese Department of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Book Of Tea is more than an introduction to the Japanese art and practice of the tea ceremony - it has served as a seminal bridge to Asian life and thought in English and a work of cultural bridge-building. The Book Of Tea was in fact written in English, in order to prove accessible to English-speakers, and presents chanoyu (literally "the way of tea") as a spiritual culture and a ritual that interlaces with the "Art of Life" itself. A handful of black-and-white illustrations intersperse the methodical, philosophical, and spiritual discussions of all aspects of the tea ceremony. The Book Of Tea is very highly recommended especially for students of Japanese culture and arts.

Read and listen............2006-03-21

This a great compact book that deals beautifully with tea and its history and setting. You'll feel as though you are listening to Kakuzo Okakura personally. As I read it, I could feel the presence of a smile on his face.
Not deep. Not complex. Compact and enjoyable. A great intro to tea all around.

Tasha's Tea Party: A Lift-the-Flap Board Book (Backyardigans)

Average customer rating:

Fun, But Not Thrilling
Children love it

Tasha's Tea Party: A Lift-the-Flap Board Book (Backyardigans)

Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 1416913637

Book Description

Peek under flaps and help Tasha and the gang find just what they need for the perfect tea party!

Customer Reviews:

Fun, But Not Thrilling.......2006-11-14

"Tasha's Tea Party" is a board-book version of the "Backyardigans" episode "High Tea." In this story, the Backyardigans are on a quest to make the perfect cup of tea. They'll need the perfect tea leaves, a teapot and the perfect hot water.

I've never though that "Backyardigans" stories work as well in books as they do on TV. The show relies heavily on music and strong visuals, plus great humor, little of which comes across well in the books. The books are decent summarizations of what's on TV, some better than others. This one has flaps to lift, which make it kind of fun. Still, I'd say pass on this and you or your kids can just enjoy the TV version.

Then again, if your kids would get entertainment out this, then go for it. But there are other books that do this better.

Children love it.......2006-08-14

My twins love the flaps and it is a cute a colorful book. They love the backyardigans so that helps.

Average customer rating:

Great photos with recipes
An excellent resource for tea time recipes!
Full Of Good Recipes
Wow! Love those pictures
Gem of a book

The Book of Afternoon Tea (Book of...)
Lesley Mackley
Manufacturer: HP Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1557880468

Customer Reviews:

Great photos with recipes.......2007-04-04

I was drawn to the great photos in this cookbook which I will try out for a library tea party next month. The book is easy to read with plenty of great recipes.

An excellent resource for tea time recipes!.......2006-08-09

This was the best book I found in terms of being a resource for tea time recipes. Every recipe comes with a picture of the finished product, and provides easy to understand instructions. I was impressed by the number of recipes on various aspects of serving tea, from sandwiches to savories, scones, and sweets. I was looking for a book for a friend, but ended up keeping this one for myself!!

Full Of Good Recipes.......2006-03-14

I have many tea-time books, and this is the best. It has lots of recipes that actually sound good. I have tried several that ARE good.

Wow! Love those pictures.......2006-01-08

I was quite pleased to find that this book had exactly what I was looking for. As a new tea-o-phile, I have been looking for more recipes for British-style afternoon tea, and this book delivers. I have not yet made any recipes (I just got the book a couple of days ago), but the descriptions are clear and the pictures are mouth-watering. This book will be dog-eared in a very short time!

Gem of a book.......2005-12-27

I got married a few years ago at a quiet home ceremony, and my father and I, armed with this book, made more delectable sandwiches and savory snacks than my guests could eat.

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