Exhibitions/Programming

Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide
Jones Library, Amherst
October 30, 2007
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Explore The Story of Tea with authors Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss.

Around the planet, millions of people from all walks of life begin their day with a brisk cup of tea. It is the most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water, with a culture and history as rich and varied as its taste.

Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss, owners of Cooks Shop Here in Northampton and purveyors of fine tea and other specialty foods, will read selected passages from their new book, The Story of Tea: a Cultural History and Drinking Guide. In The Story of Tea, these veteran tea traders share an alluring study of the myriad ways one plant, Camellia sinesis (the tea bush) has enthralled and sustained people the world over for more than 2,000 years.

To accompany the reading, Mary Lou and Bob will bring examples of unique, handmade tea from the 6 major classes of tea and lead a discussion about Asian concepts of tea appreciation.

Following the discussion, there will be an author signing. Proceeds from book sales will benefit the library