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Tea Library

The Tea Library at The Cochran Oriental is without a doubt the largest collection of books on tea outside of public libraries, and it offers something for every kind of tea connoisseur or newbie. Are the health advantages of herbal teas, the origins of tea, or using tea in recipes anything that interests you? If so, get ready for an unforgettable tea journey. When your favorite cup of tea is ready, choose your favorite tea book and take a trip through the world of teas. Lastly, as a friendly reminder, we’re delighted that you may enjoy our books, but do remember that they are not for sale and are only intended to be read onsite. If any titles are missing after your booking a $50.00/book restocking fee will be applied to your account. Please find below the tea-related books we have featured with their illustrated covers: 

Technical Mastery & Professional Standards

  • World Atlas of Tea by Krisi Smith: A comprehensive global guide exploring tea from the leaf to the cup, covering various regions and production methods.

  • All About Tea by William H. Ukers: A foundational two-volume technical work considered the definitive historical and commercial resource for tea professionals.

  • Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties by Kevin Gascoyne et al.: An in-depth exploration of tea production, regional environmental factors, and specific variety profiles.

  • Grow Your Own Tea: A practical guide focused on the mastery of cultivating, harvesting, and processing tea plants in a home garden setting.

  • Tea Sommelier by François-Xavier Delmas and Mathias Minet: A professional-grade manual designed to train the palate for tasting and understanding high-end tea service.

  • The Tea Book by Linda Gaylard: A visual masterclass on the world’s finest teas, including profiles on infusion techniques and cultural rituals.

  • The Japanese Tea Ceremony by A.L. Sadler: A technical and spiritual exploration of Cha-no-yu and the Zen art of mindfulness through tea.

  • The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzo: The classic 1906 philosophical text that introduced the concept of “Teaism” and the aesthetic of the “imperfect” to the West.

  • Tea-Ku: Poems About Tea: A literary collection of short-form poetry designed to evoke a meditative and sophisticated atmosphere.

  • For All the Tea in China by Sarah Rose: The historical account of Robert Fortune and the Victorian-era botanical espionage used to move tea production from China to India.

  • Infused: Adventures in Tea by Henrietta Lovell: A personal travelogue and historical journey by the “Tea Lady” exploring the pursuit of the world’s best leaves.

  • The Tea Cyclopedia by Dr. Keith Souter: The master reference for botanical origins, legends, and historical “chemistry wars” regarding tea purity.

  • Afternoon Tea: A Timeless Tradition: An exploration of the social etiquette and aesthetic customs surrounding the classic British tea ritual.

  • Novelty Teapots by Edward Bramah: A survey of five centuries of ceramic design, focusing on artistic, whimsical, and creative teapot craftsmanship.

  • Tea at the Palace by Carolyn Robb: A cookbook by a former Royal Chef featuring recipes and service tips fit for a palace-standard tea.

  • The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook by Laura C. Martin: A guide to the recipes and social history of tea as depicted in the grand Edwardian style.

  • The Eccentric Teapot by Garth Clark: A curated look at unconventional and avant-garde teapot designs that push the boundaries of functional art.

  • Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevalier: A detailed medical reference featuring over 550 herbs and their therapeutic applications.

  • 20,000 Secrets of Tea by Victoria Zak: A guide to the health benefits of tea, from lowering cholesterol to managing stress and immunity.

  • Tea Recipe Book: A modern lifestyle collection featuring 50 recipes for contemporary drinks like boba, lattes, and specialty iced teas.

  • Nature’s Healing Herbs by Micole: A wellness-focused guide on utilizing natural botanicals for physical and mental health.

  • Essential Guide on African Herbs by Muriel Moffat: A focused exploration of indigenous African tea ingredients and their traditional healing properties.

  • Magnificent Iced Tea Cookbook by Valeria Ray: A collection of creative and refreshing iced tea recipes for modern entertaining.

  • Stuff Every Tea Lover Should Know by Candace Rose Rardon: A pocket-sized handbook filled with essential facts, brewing tips, and modern tea culture trivia.

  • Tea Cocktails by Abigail R. Gehring: A mixology book featuring 60 recipes for sophisticated alcoholic drinks infused with different tea varieties.

  • The Art of Herbal Healing by Ava Green: A beginner-friendly guide to herbalism, focus on the restorative power of plants and roots.

  • Tea Tasting Journal: A practical logging tool for modern enthusiasts to record notes on flavor profiles and brewing experiments.

  • I Like Tea More Than I Like People: A lighthearted novelty book celebrating the deep, often solitary passion of the true tea lover.

  • Tea Word Search: A themed activity book featuring puzzles related to tea history, varieties, and culture.

  • Tea Party Coloring Book: An intricate coloring book featuring illustrations of tea sets and garden parties for relaxation.

  • An Adult Coloring Book for Tea Lovers (illustrated by Laurince Töveghien): High-quality artistic illustrations designed to provide a creative outlet for tea enthusiasts.

  • Tea Lover Coloring Book For Adults: A collection of floral and tea-themed designs intended for stress relief and creative mindfulness.