The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
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Book Reviews of The Book of Tea
Book Review: Interesting, plus the preface is great
Summary: 4 Stars
I recommend this book to any Western dilettante who, like myself, is intrigued by anything called "a Japanese tradition" but prefers the comfortably exotic world of the tea ceremony and "Memoirs of a Geisha" to the disorienting and totally unfathomable features of current Japanese pop culture. It's as much a look at the ceremony itself as a portrait of a certain romanticizing interpretation of Japanese culture, written by a scholar who was straddling both worlds and sought to explain one to the other. The introduction is immensely readable, not to mention informative - many amusing turns of phrase in there which I wish I remembered for occasional use (need to reread the thing!). A treat rarely offered at this price, even if you read it only once.Book Review: An inexpensive, high quality edition of a classic.
Summary: 4 Stars
For anyone interested in Asian, and particularly Japanese, culture, this book is a must. By following the history of tea and its role in the spiritual and cultural development of Japan, this slim volume gives the reader remarkable insight into the Japanese mind. Written with a keen sense of humor, the Book of Tea is very readable and entertaining, while at the same time illustrating the Japanese passion for the simple. This version is a quality translation, and you cannot beat the price. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Japan, Buddhism, Taoism, or tea.