Tea: A User's Guide

As an amateur tea enthusiast, there is a lot in this book that I really appreciate. The chemical make-up of a tea leaf and tea processing sections contain information that tends to be glossed over or completely omitted from most tea books. This book is a great introduction to the vast world of tea. Particularly useful to those starting out on their own tea journey is the section on tea classification. The middle part of the book is a great reference for useful information on a variety of different tea types. Each tea type is presented with relevant information about what makes it distinct, representative color photos, and proper translation, transliteration, & romanization of tea names. For me, this will be a great resource for years to come!

Tony Gebely has produced an excellent addition to the literature on tea - one that tea drinkers have been needing for a long time. This is a no nonsense approach to the subject that is a must for novices and "experts" alike.Gebely's classification of tea according to the method by which it is produced and his discussions of these production methods is second to none. The book is packed full of information that will be instructive to everyone who has an interest in the amazing world of tea. Gebely's contribution to tea literature will prove to be as consequential to this subject as Hugh Johnson's to the study of wine.

In general, the author does a great job at delivering the basics on tea in a concise way that is easy for anyone to grasp. That is key, given that the world of tea is so incredibly complex with hundreds of varieties to choose from. This book is not about the history of tea. There are other well-researched and well-written books for that. "Tea, A User's Guide" is exactly what the title promises, filled with practical insight. It's a great quick and easy reference book that I recommend for anyone interested in exploring the world of tea. Job well done!

I liked the book, it contained quite a lot of information organized in a clear manner. It delved into the chemistry of tea which was a new topic for me. Some of the information was repeated or paraphrased several times, I wish that instead the author delved even deeper into different tea types.

A great guide for the tea drinker who wants to learn more about what they're drinking. More than just how to brew, it's a guide on varietals, cultivars (and knowing there's a difference between the two!), as well as distinguished styles throughout countries. I'd recommend this guide to those who want to find out about teas beyond what the grocery store has to offer.

Excellent book! Provided just the facts without the extra commentary. Though I enjoy books with commentary, I was not looking for it in this particular case. If you are looking for a no nonsense book on the particulars of tea, this is for you. Highly recommended!

The bulk of this book is a breakdown of tea types (mostly focused on China, Taiwan, and Japan) but there is much about how tea is processed and prepared. My only complaint is I wish there were more decriptions on what is unique about the tea types he choose.

Very informative and thoroughly researched. Written by a true tea lover. Highly recommended to expand your horizons and heighten your enjoyment of tea.

I'm a tea enthusiast and this is one of the best tea books I have read. Detailed and well presented. Highly recommend!

Probably one of the best tea books for new tea drinkers in recent times​.

I don't know. There's some stuff you will learn about tea, and it's all fine. But in the end I have more questions left than answered. I really missed the explanation what i.e. the steaming of teas DOES with the tea. Does it taste different? Does it store better? I really don't know after reading, but I learned that most of japaense tea ist steamed, but I will never know why. Lots and lots of teas explained by production; I have none idea what they might taste or smell like. Also too short for the price; a three hours read does not get deep in the details. I feel like I should have sticked with wikipedia.

This is a great book and a great work of Tony!!! All you will find in this book speak about tea and only tea. All aspect of this beautiful beverage is covered largely!!! I suggest to buy this book cause is well written, of easy access for novice but is also very rigorous for the connoisseurs, for oriental style infusion lovers (gong fu cha style)... Thanks to Tony Gebely for this grat work!!!

Applause to the information in the introduction of "How to use this book", which most Tea books miss. As a result, it gives me an impression that it is professionally researched.The book is divided into 3 parts: (1) The Basics, (2) Tea Classifications, and (3) Enjoying Tea. The first part was clearly written and explained, the second part was ok; however, I am a bit disappointed with the third part. That I feel the rush to end the book. A lot of details about tea tasting/appreciation were missing, and there are points about tea steeping that I don't see other tea masters can agree with.I bought the paper book at CA$45+tax. I think this is overpriced comparing to other good written tea books on the market.